2018.12.07 by Roscommon People

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SOCIAL PEOPLE

07 December 2018

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 608

– SEE INSIDE –

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ALL EYES ON ANTHONY… Outgoing Roscommon senior football manager Kevin McStay (centre) was pictured chatting with his successor, Anthony Cunningham at the Western Alzheimer’s (Roscommon branch) coffee morning in Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday morning. On left is Seamus Hayden, the former Roscommon star. We can’t imagine what they talked about! Photograph: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople

e l p o e WATCHING P

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THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKE THIS WEEK…

Oh dear… didn’t love this one… Dolores Gacquin Solicitor Tel: 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

The HSE is advising nurses that they should stop using words like ‘love’ and ‘dear’ when speaking to patients. Oh for God’s sake, where will all this political correctness end? Yes, we’re going to go for the easy option here, folks: so, here goes… Maybe, just maybe, the HSE should concentrate on trying to end or at least reduce the waiting lists before they start issuing silly guidelines to staff? Okay, dears…?

THINGS WE DID LIKE THIS WEEK…

Meanwhile, back at The Emirates… Yeah, got Sky Sports there a few months ago and have been somewhat underwhelmed so far. But Sunday’s Arsenal v Spurs Premier League game was an absolute classic. Simply brilliant. I presume Arsenal are every non-Arsenal fan’s second favourite team?

Planning Permission I would like to build an extension to my house but I am unsure if I need to apply for planning permission. I understand some extensions may not require planning permission provided they are under a particular size, is this correct? Are there any other restrictions? Whether the proposed extension to your property requires planning permission or not will depend on a number of factors. Generally, small domestic extensions will not require planning permission if it does not exceed 40 square metres in size. However, any previous extension must also be considered so that the combined area of all extensions may not exceed 40 square metres. For terraced or semi-detached houses, the floor area of any extension above ground level may not exceed 12 square metres. Also, the extension may not exceed the height of the house and the extension may not reduce the area of private open space to less than 25 square metres. Specific rules also apply regarding height. For example, if the rear wall of your house does not include a gable, the height of the walls of the extension must not exceed the height of the rear wall of your house. If the rear wall of your house has a gable, the walls of the extension shall not be higher than the side walls of your house. In the case of a flat roofed extension, the height of the highest part of the roof may not exceed the height of the eaves or parapet. In any other case, no part of the new roof may exceed the highest part of the roof of the house. It is strongly advisable to speak with your architect or engineer regarding your specific plans prior to commencing works. Your Local Authority can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where terms of permission have not been met. The Local Authority may require you to take whatever steps they deem necessary in order to regularise the development. This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice.

Ryan Tubridy ... the greatest Late Late Toy Show host of them all. Matt Cooper and Anton Savage

Liberals on loose… On the Tonight Show on Virgin Media on Monday night, a guest was critical of that HSE ‘diktat’ (see above) calling on staff to stop using words like ‘dear’ and ‘love’ when speaking to patients. A guest was then critical of the suggestion that pregnant women ought not to be referred to as ‘women’ from now on. The discussion also featured concerns over the level of immigration permitted in Ireland and other countries. At one point, in a moment almost beyond parody, presenters Matt Cooper (one of my favourite broadcasters) and Anton Savage almost fell off their chairs with indignation… meanwhile, guest Colette Browne (Irish Independent) was in full superior mode. The liberal media seemed affronted by the very fact that some people are opposed to the sometimes farcical march of political correctness. Why the strained facial expressions and head shaking and put-downs by presenters in these situations? When Ms. Browne was making her points, there was no indignation from the presenters. What happened to democracy, debate and freedom of expression?

And now for something completely different… Ryan Tubridy singing at the start of the Late Late Show. No. No. No. Never again. He’s a sport, sure – but not a singer.

It was a good week for residents/campaigners in North Roscommon after a notable example of ‘people power’ working. The campaigners have been demanding that steps be taken to address safety concerns at two junctions between Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon, one leading to Cootehall and one to Croghan. On Tuesday, they received positive news from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (see our special report, page 17).

* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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So, the blunders continue from Shane Ross. It’s no secret (certainly not now) that our Minister for Sport has a limited knowledge of…sport. His latest gaffes saw him call Stephen Kenny ‘Shane Kenny’ and refer to Shane Long as Shay Given. On the one hand, we think it’s not overly important and aren’t keen to rub it in; on the other hand, what does it tell us about Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s commitment (or otherwise) to sport when he can appoint to (sports) ministerial office a man who clearly has little expertise or even interest in that area?

Toy town… It wasn’t the best ever toy show, we actually didn’t like the ‘Big Top’ set – trying to be too clever, it totally alienated the audience – but still, the Late Late Toy Show was once again very enjoyable. And Ryan remains the greatest Late Late Toy Show host of them all!

Yummy… We (kind of) liked the story about a ‘Disgusting Food Museum’ in Malmo, Sweden (okay, it’s a week or two old!). This museum is attracting lots of curious (and strong of stomach) visitors, according to media reports. The curator, Samuel West, cheerily says that the Icelandic fermented shark tastes like a urine-infested mattress (really don’t want to know how he claims to know this). Mr. West also highlights spicy rabbit heads, fruit bat soup, cooked animals’ skulls, maggot-infested cheese, “stinky fruit from Thailand” and roasted guinea pigs from Peru. Also on exhibit is sheep eyeball juice and bull testicles. Visitors who feel queasy are advised the entry tickets are printed on vomit bags! It’s the chef/catering team in the adjoining café/restaurant we feel sorry – for – how are they meant to make a living? Actually, the Disgusting Food Museum website (“we have 80 of the world’s most disgusting foods”) assures us that there is a very good restaurant in the same building. Yeah, let’s await those end-of-year trading figures with interest…!

“

Quote of the week

“It’s the real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong” – Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari disputes rumours that he had died and been replaced by a clone! No Donald Trump jokes please…

Our Person(s) of the Week… The legendary British broadcaster and environmentalist David Attenborough (92) was polite (as ever) but to the point when he addressed world leaders at the COP24 summit in Poland this week. Stating that climate change is the greatest threat to humanity in thousands of years. Mr. Attenborough added this grim warning: “The continuation of our civilisations and the natural world upon which we depend, is in your hands”.

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Frank wants State to buy McDermott’s Castle!

People NEWS

Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has called on the State to purchase McDermott’s Castle on Lough Key in Boyle. He told fellow senators: “The castle is a designated national monument. WB Yeats unsuccessfully tried to buy it in 1899 with a view to turning it into a national heritage site”. Noting that the castle and half-acre island it is located on is scheduled to go for auction on December 13th (asking price reportedly €90,000), Senator Feighan proposed that the State buys the castle with a view to preserving this historic national monument into the long-term future. “This historic 12th century castle is steeped in history and is located in one of the most scenic places in Ireland”. Senator Feighan said that he will write to Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and also to OPW Minister, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to raise this proposal with them.

LEADER boost for local projects LEADER funding has been approved for a number of local projects. The funding was announced by the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Michael Ring. Lisnamult Residents Association in Roscommon town will receive €157,755 to help carry out Phase 2 of its development of Lisnamult Community Sports Park. Phase 2 involves the development of a multi-purpose area to include kitchen, toilets, function room and meeting room. Arigna Mining Experience has received €200,000 towards Phase 2 Development works, which will increase the facility’s visitor capacity and includes the design of a building extension. Irish Pallet Systems Ltd., Lanesborough have been granted €117,567.47 to carry out external improvement works to the yard to improve workflow, safety and productivity of business. Roscommon Integrated Development Company, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, is to receive a grant of €29,644.20 to conduct a study in eight specific areas in Co. Roscommon of the rural

Ann Moran, Ali Geraghty and Aisling Moran were supporting the Castlerea Kings in The Hub last Saturday night.

economy and the challenges facing low income rural households in particular. The Shannon-Erne Pilgrim Way Baseline Study, Roscommon LCDC, Áras an Chontae, Church Road, Roscommon, is to receive funding of €5,537.33 towards a feasibility study for developing a new tourism product focusing on monastic sites along ShannonErne. St. Brendan’s GAA Club in Ballygar is to receive funding of €17,740 to help towards the provision of a walking/jogging and cycle track. News of the funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael Senators Frank Feighan and Maura Hopkins.

Funding for SET room at Cloverhill NS Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed funding approval for the provision of a Special Education Teacher Support Room

(SET) at Cloverhill National School. The Department of Education has approved funding for a 1x15m 2 SET room at the primary school. Senator Feighan said: “This funding allocation is good news for the school and works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed. Projects such as these also help to stimulate economic activity by supporting jobs in the local economy”.

Athleague CCE hosts special tribute session Athleague branch of CCE will host a special tribute session for the late Frank Killion (RIP) in Hamrock’s Lounge, Athleague on Friday, December 14th, starting at 10 pm. There will be guest appearances by John Wynne and friends, members of Athleague Branch CCE and friends, together with singers, dancers and storytellers. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

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NewsPeople Kilteevan Tidy Towns hosts Coffee Morning Kilteevan Tidy Towns is hosting a Coffee Morning on Sunday, December 9th from 10.45 am. The coffee morning is a celebration of our award-winning Cloonlarge Loop Walk. Some very special items relating to The Cloonlarge Loop will be on sale on Sunday morning. All a big surprise! Don’t miss this very special occasion in Kilteevan. Everyone is invited.

NEWS…at a glance

Christmas Market in Hannon’s Hotel Hannon’s Hotel will host a fundraising Christmas Market this Sunday (9th) from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be free face-painting on the day. There will be 20 stalls offering jewellery and accessories, Christmas crafts, decorations and gifts, Forever Aloe, kids’ gifts and much more. There will also be a fundraising table for the new Roscommon Hospice building and fundraising stall for the TNR South Roscommon and Roscommon SPCA. All support appreciated.

Curraghboy NS Christmas fundraising concert The Curraghboy National School Christmas fundraising concert will be held in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy, Athlone on Sunday, 9th of December 2018. Roscommon Solstice Choir and guests will perform. Doors open at 8 pm for an 8.30 pm start. Great night guaranteed. Tickets available locally or email cnspa1819@gmail.com.

Christmas Concert in Frenchpark Church Bernadine Casserly, accompanied by Ann Kielty, will perform a Christmas Concert in St. Asicus’ Church, Frenchpark on Thursday, December 13th at 8 pm in aid of Frenchpark & District Childcare. Don’t miss out on this magical evening of singing, guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit! Tickets cost €10 and are available at www.eventbrite.ie or by ‘phoning 094-9870111.

Family Tree Holy Mass in Curraghboy A special Family Tree Holy Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Thursday, December 13th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, prior to the commencement of Holy Mass. Individual blessings and Benediction will take place afterwards. All are most welcome. Contact 086-4054489 for more information. Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were David, Kathleen, Senan, Saoirse, Eabha and John Landy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon Historical Society AGM The Annual General Meeting of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society will take place on Tuesday, December 11th at 8 pm in The Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. All members are requested to attend. A short talk on the theme ‘From Dresser to Fitted Kitchen’ will take place after the meeting and

will be given by Albert Siggins. The much sought after publication – the Journal of the Society – is intended to be published in the early part of the New Year.

Table quiz in JJ Cattigan’s A table quiz will take place in JJ Cattigan’s on Castle Street, Roscommon town at 9 pm on Friday, December 7th. Cost €40 per table and proceeds will go towards the St. Coman’s Church of Ireland Repair Fund. All welcome.

Festive appeal for throws and blankets The “front-line workers and volunteers” in the Irish Wheelchair Charity Shop in Roscommon (beside Norio’s on Circular Road) are appealing for help from Roscommon People readers. They say: “In order to give a warm winter hug to our wheelchair users and our elderly pensioners, we have started an appeal to the general public to donate throws/blankets. We will gift-wrap these throws with a kind message – ‘snug as a bug in a rug’ – and distribute them free of charge to these wonderful people”.

To send news to your local newspaper…email news@roscommonpeople.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople

‘Check it Fits’ service at Best For Baby The Road Safety Authority’s ‘Check it Fits’ service is coming to ‘Best For Baby’, Castle Street, Roscommon town on Thursday, December 13th from 9 am to 5.30 pm. It’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland, as many as four out five child car seats are incorrectly fitted however and this can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision. Next Thursday, two RSA experts will be on hand to check child car seats for free at Best For Baby. The Check it Fits service is quick and easy and the checkers will be there to advise on fixing problems, demonstrate how to fit restraints correctly and also answer any queries participants might have, regardless of the brand of seat or where it was purchased. Out experts aim to put parents’, grandparents’ and guardians’ minds at ease and help them to ensure that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in their car. You are invited to come

along to Best For Baby on Thursday, December 13th

and avail of this free and vital service.

Laboratory staff at Roscommon University Hospital enjoying the official opening of the Blood Sciences Project and Refurbishment of Laboratory. From left: Sandra Treacy; Corrina Delaney; Denise Lally (Chief Medical Scientist); Paul McArdle; Charolette Walton; Marie Ralphs; Jacinta O’Boyle and Louise Talbot.

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The new Integrated Blood Sciences Project at the Laboratory in Roscommon University Hospital was officially opened on Monday last by Maurice Power, Group CEO Saolta University Health Care Group. The Blood Sciences Managed Service Contract is a major collaborative project between the Pathology Departments at Roscommon University Hospital, Galway University Hospital and Portiuncula University Hospital. This project will allow the laboratory in RUH undertake tests that would have previously gone to other hospital laboratories and reduces the length of time for patients test results. Commenting at the launch, Mary Garvey, General Manager, Roscommon University Hospital said: “We now have a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics which has provided us with a full suite of new equipment for Haematology and Biochemistry services. “Among the many benefits that this project brings is

that the three laboratories in Roscommon, Portiuncula and Galway University Hospitals’ now use the same platforms for analysis which gives the opportunity for further co-operation between the hospitals. “This new facility will now allow us to continue to expand our test menu and radically improve the quality of service for clinicians and ultimately for our patients”. Maurice Power, CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group said: “This project is another example of how hospitals within the Saolta Group can work together to provide a better service to our patients, improve efficiencies and achieve major cost savings. Roscommon University Hospital goes from strength to strength. The modernisation of the laboratory alongside the replacement of the x-ray equipment gives Roscommon University Hospital scope to further develop as a centre of excellence for diagnostics”.

PUBLIC NOTICES

REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2019/2020 Notice is hereby given that the List of Claims to have corrections made in the Draft Register of Electors is now being published. The List of Claims is available for inspection at Roscommon County Council offices at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, your Local Municipal District Offices, Head Garda Station, Head Post Office and County Library. The Draft Register (PINK) remains on display at all of the above locations. CLAIMS FOR INCLUSION OF NAMES ON THE 2019 /2020 REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL BE ADJUDICATED ON BY THE COUNTY REGISTRAR AT PUBLIC SITTINGS TO BE HELD AT THE VENUES LISTED BELOW. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND. Tuesday, 18th December

Courthouse, Athlone

11.30 am

Wednesday, 19th December

Courthouse, Roscommon Town

11.30 am

Wednesday , 19th December

Boyle Municipal District Office, Cootehall Street, Boyle

2.30 pm

Shane Tiernan Director of Services Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Pictured at the official opening of the Blood Sciences Project and Refurbishment of Laboratory by Saolta Group CEO Maurice Power, from left: Mary Garvey, General Manager, Roscommon University Hospital; Professor Margaret Murray, Clinical Director, Laboratory Directorate, Saolta University Health Care Group; Denise Lally, Chief Medical Scientist, Roscommon University Hospital and Maurice Power, CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group.

Feighan welcomes ‘further investment’ Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed further investment at Roscommon Hospital as the newlyrefurbished Blood Sciences and Laboratory facilities were officially opened by Maurice Power, CEO, Saolta University Healthcare Group, on Monday last. Senator Feighan said: “This significant upgrade investment will ensure blood results are delivered even faster to GPs and patients. It also increases the scope of blood testing at

the Roscommon lab which analyses 600 samples every day. “This is a 24/7 laboratory which has eight members of staff and as Professor Margaret Murray, Clinical Director, Laboratory Directorate, Saolta University Healthcare Group, said at the official opening, it provides quality-driven, scientifically-proven care for patients”. Looking at the overall status of the hospital, Senator Feighan said: “During the official opening, Maurice

Power spoke about how Roscommon Hospital is becoming a leading hospital in diagnostic and day care services. He also referenced the new Endoscopy Unit and the planned Medical Rehabilitation Unit as evidence of how services were continuing to grow at the hospital. “Simply put, the hospital is safer and busier and is becoming a centre of excellence for a range of services – and that is very good news for the county and surrounding areas”.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Good News, Galway!

Seanie and Stacy’s big engagement TOP: Pictured at The Hub last Saturday were members of the Castlerea Kings basketball team with newly-engaged Stacy McGarry and Seanie McDermott. Back row (l-r): Michael O’Flanagan, Stacy McGarry, Sean McDermott, John McHugh, Danny Doherty, and Thomas Callaghan. Front row (l-r): Josh McDermott, Garbhin Madigan, Joseph Henry and Sean Moran. LEFT: Hoopy ever after! Castlerea Cosmos player Stacy McGarry and Castlerea Kings’ Seanie McDermott marked their engagement following the Kings’ league win at The Hub.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Friday 7th December Pictured at the recent Comhairle na nÓg showcase event in Croke Park were Roscommon members, front row (l-r): Molly Rhianne-Beckett, Paddy McTeigue, Sinead Dillon, Remy Ryan. Middle row: Daniel Dwyer, Sara Tyndawo, Aislinn Kilmartin, Katie Blaine, Laura Muldowney. Back row: Emma Whitney, Liam Pearse, Michael Lough, Ryan Davies, Daniel Duffy, William Neary.

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Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has said a new permanent flood relief scheme will be of great support to businesses and community groups in Roscommon. The Government has approved the establishment of a permanent flood relief scheme for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies affected by flooding. Senator Feighan said: “A new permanent flood relief scheme will be of great support to businesses and community groups in Roscommon, helping them to deal with the aftermath of the flood events we know will become increasingly common. “My Fine Gael colleagues, the Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, sought Cabinet approval for the measure and I am delighted that it has been given the green light”. The target group for this scheme are sole traders

and small businesses with a small number of employees, as well as voluntary, community and sporting bodies. It will be demandled when these groups experience flood damage as a consequence of a severe weather event to their premises and where they have been refused flood insurance. Senator Feighan explained: “Successful applicants will receive a ‘quick’ payment which

will be capped at an upper limit of €5,000. While the cap of €5,000 is likely to meet the requirements of the majority of applicants there is scope for a further payment of up to €15,000 after a more detailed assessment of the loss incurred. “This new scheme will put these supports on a permanent footing giving assurances to businesses and community and sporting groups in Roscommon”.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Roscommon Solstice Choir – helping educational project in Africa and India Roscommon Solstice Choir won a whole new audience of fans when they performed their Christmas concert in the Town Hall Theatre, Ballinasloe last Sunday night. The event was organised by Girls4Girls Education, a Ballinasloe-based group who raise funds to support educational projects for girls in the developing world.

The Solstice Choir presented a seasonal themed repertoire culminating in a medley of well-known Christmas favourites which was met with huge applause. Roscommon Solstice Choir was formed in 2013. The choir performs for pleasure and the proceeds of their concerts go to charity. They have sung all over Ireland as well as in the United States and in England, but this was one

of their rare appearances west of the Suck! Adding to the enjoyment were the special guests from Creagh N.S. who contributed a joyful selection of their own, with an especially striking hymn based on Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. Their performance won them a standing ovation. Recently returned from a seven-week

stint in Dar-es-Salaam, Agnes Hurley gave a short but comprehensive account of the work being done with the funds sent out from the group and was fulsome in her praise for Sr. Annette Farrell from Kilconnell, who has been working there for 35 years. On behalf of Girls4Girls Education Pat Johnston thanked both choirs for their wonderful performance, the audience

for their enthusiastic response, their sponsors and all those who bought tickets but could not attend. She said that the funds raised would be divided equally between their projects in Africa and India. The fund, which now stands at €4,400, remains open for another week. The night was described by many as ‘uplifting’ and was altogether a suitable start to the Christmas season.

Local schools enjoy success in national art competition Pupils in Ballyfeeney N.S., Scramogue and Threen N.S., Castlerea are this week celebrating as the judges of a leading national art competition have named them as County Winners in the Junior and Senior category respectively, placing them in the running for what has become a much sought-after national title. The competition, which is entitled ‘Someone Like Me’, is supported by the

National Disability Authority. It aims to promote disability awareness and nurture understanding amongst primary school students and to highlight the similarities that exist within people of all abilities. Now an annual initiative, ‘Someone Like Me’ promotes inclusion and positive attitudes towards all persons, allowing children to learn about and discuss these topics and creatively

express what they have learned through art and craft. The entry from Ballyfeeney N.S. – named as Junior County Winner – was from 1st class pupil Caoimhe O’Gara for her pencil drawing which depicted five friends playing basketball, three of whom have disabilities. All characters are having fun and playing together. Teacher Mrs. Owens assisted in the school’s submission.

Ballyfeeney N.S.

Threen N.S.

The entry from Threen N.S. – named as Senior County Winner – was from

6th class pupil Róisín Connolly whose illustration showed a celebration of

how everyone is different in unique ways, as seen in the characters drawn.

Teacher Áine O’Connor assisted in the school’s submission.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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2011, but the construction work never took place. Local resident, Peter Gillooly, has now applied for planning permission to increase the height of the two proposed turbines from 126 metres to 150 metres. Roscommon County Council has subsequently sought further information on the

application and has requested a visual-impact assessment of the turbines. Local residents also voiced their concerns regarding noise and light flicker from the turbines. The meeting heard the concerns of local residents as well as those of anti-wind farm campaigners from other areas.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Launch of Roscommon History and Society book next Wednesday Wednesday, 12th of December at 6.30 pm in Áras an Chontae, Roscommon sees the launch of the anticipated publication of Roscommon History & Society; Interdisciplinary Essays on the History of an Irish County. Produced by Geography Publications as part of their County History & Society Series, the Roscommon volume is now the 26th county completed. This ambitious venture sets out to assemble a library of county histories for all of Ireland. The Roscommon volume

incorporating the work of outsider and insider builds up a comprehensive insight into the respective study areas. The individual books comprise a collection of specialist essays arranged chronologically and based wherever possible on the entity of the county. Comprising 35 chapters, involving contributors from across both the academic field and local historians, the Roscommon volume covers such areas of study as Roscommon in prehistory, archaeology, medieval settlements,

manuscript tradition, place names, Gaelic heritage, landed estates and ownership, historic houses, the Great Famine, graziers, local government, elections, politics, sport, literature, employment and population, mapping, folklore and personal reflections. Historic figures such as Douglas Hyde, Percy French, William Wilde, Roderic O’Conor and Fr. Michael O’Flanagan are also dedicated individual chapters. The volume is profusely illustrated with maps, plates and photographs to complement the

text and the volume is indexed to a high standard. The editors of the Roscommon volume are Richie Farrell (former County Librarian), Kieran O’Conor (Senior Lecturer, School of Geography & Archaeology, NUIG), Matthew Potter (Curator, Limerick Museum) and Series Editor Willie Nolan (Emeritus Professor of Geography, University College Dublin). The publication has been generously supported by Roscommon County Council, through the Creative Ireland funding

programme and the launch is appropriately being held in the new Civic Offices of Roscommon County Council. There are a number of speakers scheduled to speak on the occasion including the Chief Executive Eugene Cummins, the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, Mary O’Connell, President, County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society, and Kieran O’Conor, one of the editors. The publication will be launched by author and

journalist John Waters. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. Musical background will be provided by violin duo Caroline and Emily Ni Shiochaín.

For further information contact: Richie Farrell (email:amgrf1@outlook), call 087-0556562 or Christina Fannon (email: cfannon@roscommoncoco.ie).

‘Modest county with almost nothing to modest about’ remarks

tion, John Waters In his foreword to the publica s, Roscommon is richly ntie “…above all the other coupersonality, a modest county endowed with unaffected modest about. Its most viswith almost nothing to be nce – of the people and of ible characteristic is defereement that is paternal rather the landscape – a self-effacon is acutely conscious of than insecure. Roscomm it knows its place is worth keeping its place because few of the counties of Irekeeping. And yet there arerest, in which there is a great land that hold so much inte l life and the countryside”. integration of the intellectua

newsbriefs The Friendship Circle – every Sunday The Friendship Circle meets at The Core, Roscommon town every Sunday from 3 pm to 5 pm. All are welcome.

Roscommon Garden Club Gala Night

Following the launch on Wednesday 12th December at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon (6.30pm), make sure to get your copy in local outlets

The Roscommon Garden Club annual Christmas Charity Gala Night will take place on Thursday, December 6th at 8 pm at the Abbey Hotel. There will be a floral demonstration and a finger buffet with wine, tea and coffee. There will also be a big raffle with all of the floral arrangements on the night up for grabs. Proceeds will go towards the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Roscommon).

Congratulations to Leah Freane, Drinane, Ballygar who recently received a BSc. Hons. in Sports Science with Exercise from Athlone A.I.T.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople Roscommon Mart hold their Annual Ladies Night The annual Roscommon Mart Ladies Night will take place on Monday, December 10th from 8 pm in the mart canteen. There will be flower arranging with Anne Harlow from Signature Flowers; Women’s Health and Wellbeing by Martina Geraghty from Molloy’s Pharmacy, Roscommon; Up-Cycling by Catia from Rummage on Castle Street, Roscommon; Skincare by Catherine Geraghty, Directore of Simone Mahler Dermo-Cosmetics. Admission is free and there will be a raffle on the night with the proceeds going towards Diabetes Ireland. Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Vanessa Salvine, Mary O’Hara, R. Ashraf, Claudia De Sylvia, Aga Bylica, Emma Donnelly, Aneta Tworkowska and Elisha Harte.

newsbriefs Thanks from SVP St. Vincent de Paul, Roscommon Town, wish to sincerely thank all who contributed so generously to its recent church gate collection.

Ballyleague Christmas lights switch-on this Saturday The official switching-on of the Christmas lights in Ballyleague will take place this Saturday night (December 8th) after 7 pm Mass. There will be a very special guest this year! A reminder that the Church gate collection is on Saturday, 15th of December and Sunday, 16th of December at all Masses in Ballyleague. Please keep us in mind as the costs have gone up again this year due to replacement lights that were needed. To help sponsor the lights please call Noel Moran please on 086-2936180. A sincere thank you to all volunteers… our fabulous tree will be glowing again this year!

Cloonycolgan Social Club starts with a busy schedule! Cloonycolgan Social Club was set up at a meeting in Cloonycolgan Centre recently. A number of activities have already been scheduled for the coming weeks. The venue for all will be Cloonycolgan Community Centre. The following activities have been scheduled: Talk & advice by the Roscommon Garda Crime Prevention Officer on security devices to counter burglary (on Tuesday, December 11th at 8 pm); Flower & Christmas wreath arrangement by a guest speaker (on Tuesday, December 18th at 8 pm); Sing-song and dancing to celebrate the festive season and New Year (on Sunday, December 30th at 8 pm). All are welcome.

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An important meeting of Tarmonbarry/Clondra & Districts Community & Text Alert will take place in St. Barry’s Centre, Tarmonbarry this evening (Thursday 6th) at 8 pm. The meeting will be addressed by senior Garda officers with experience in community and text alert including the newly-appointed Community Garda for our area, Garda Angela Mullooly. For further information, contact Tom Crosby (Tarmonbarry) or Eddie Flynn (Clondra).

An ‘80s Disco Night out with a raffle and auction in aid of the new Roscommon Hospice will take place in Cattigan’s Bar on Castle Street, Roscommon on Saturday, December 15th with music by DJ Seamus Duke. Sponsorship and items for auction welcome. Contact Seamus on 086-8335380.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Pictured at the annual Roscommon Civil Defence Awards Ceremony were Basil Finan, Derek Nolan, Margaret Treacy and Dave Fallon.

Pictured at the annual Roscommon Civil Defence Awards Ceremony were instructors (back row, l-r) Margaret Treacy, Dave Fallon, Ita Kelly, Dave Healy, Miko Kenny, Joan Healy and Derek Nolan. Front row (l-r) Basil Finan, John Keane (Chief Fire Officer, Roscommon Fire Service), Ray Dunne (CDO, Roscommon Civil Defence) and Maura Donnellan (Commander, Roscommon Civil Defence).

ROSCOMMON CIVIL DEFENCE AWARDS CEREMONY

Pictured at the annual Roscommon Civil Defence Awards Ceremony were back row (l-r) Aisling Finan, Konrad Kuziemka, Ray Dunne (CDO), Joan Healy and Miko Kenny. Front row (l-r) Adrian McConn, Margaret Regan and Willie Treacy.

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Pictured at the annual Roscommon Civil Defence Awards Ceremony were Liam Scahill, Martin Keane, Carmel Keenan, Paddy Mullen, Konrad Kuziemka and Bosco Smyth.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

POLITICAL PEOPLE End of famous Doherty era as Rachel to bow out COMMENT  PAUL HEALY

By the time Rachel Doherty takes her bow and exits public life prior to next year’s local elections, the Doherty family from Cootehall will have completed a remarkable 64-year association with politics in Roscommon. This then, is very much the end of an era. Little wonder that Cllr. Rachel Doherty was emotional when she touched on this aspect of her decision during an interview on Shannonside Radio this week. Ms. Doherty, a councillor since 2004, has announced that she won’t be contesting next year’s elections. Cllr. Doherty knows that her decision to leave local politics at this point essentially represents an era ending. Often seen in the past as a potential General Election candidate for Fianna Fáil, it is fair to presume that she is also now closing the door on any such journey. She admitted as much in her radio interview. And neither is it on the cards that another member of the Doherty family will step in as Rachel prepares to step out. That Doherty name has loomed large on the Roscommon political landscape since as far back as the mid-1950s. Rachel’s grandfather, James Doherty, was elected to Roscommon County Council in 1955 and again in 1960 and ‘67. After the death of James

Doherty, his son Sean (Rachel’s father) was elected to the Council (in 1974). Sean Doherty was a popular, sometimes controversial and always colourful politician. His career spanned over thirty years, up to his untimely death in 2005. Having started on Roscommon County Council, he rose up the political ladder, serving as a TD and Government Minister. He was also a Senator, at one point serving as Cathaoirleach. Rachel Doherty (daughter of Sean and Maura) was first elected to Roscommon County Council in 2004 (re-elected in 2009 and 2014). Her surprise decision – announced this week – not to go before convention for the 2019 local elections is a reflection on the growing pressure on councillors all over the country, a great many of whom are finding it increasingly difficult to balance political demands with their other work (and personal) commitments. Rachel Doherty has been an excellent councillor, easily one of the best to serve on Roscommon County Council over the past couple of decades. Always well briefed on issues, she approached politics with passion, energy and determination. She has been one of the more vocal councillors in the Chamber and one of the most impressive. A very experienced public representative, she will be a big loss to Fianna Fáil and to local politics.

Rachel Doherty to quit politics  PAUL HEALY

Cllr. Rachel Doherty is the latest sitting councillor in the country to withdraw from politics, citing work demands. Cllr. Doherty, who has continuously served on Roscommon County Council since 2004, has confirmed that she will not be seeking re-election in the 2019 local elections. “In recent years, the workload of a county councillor has become more demanding. Essentially, it is a full-time job and regrettably, I am not in a position to serve for another five-year term, due to my increasing work commitments in Failte Ireland” Cllr. Doherty said. Confirming that she will not be putting her name forward to the next Fianna Fáil selection convention for the Boyle Electoral area, Cllr. Doherty thanked party members for nominating her once again. Reflecting on her career, she said: “I was first elected as a Fianna Fáil county councillor for the Boyle area in 2004, and subsequently re-elected in 2009 and 2014. At the end of this council term, I will have served 15 years as a public representative. Throughout this time, it has been an honour and privilege to represent the people in the Boyle Electoral area. I have endeavoured to work in the best interests of people at all times. I have ensured that the people I represent have had a strong voice on their issues of concern”. Cllr. Doherty thanked everyone who has supported her over the past fifteen years, including her family and friends. She also thanked management and staff of Roscommon County Council for their co-operation and support as well as her fellow councillors – past and present – for their friendship and courtesy. Daughter of Maura and the late Sean Doherty, Rachel’s father (Sean) served as a Government Minister, TD and Senator during a long and high profile political career. Leyden tribute Cllr. Orla Leyden paid tribute to Cllr. Rachel Doherty, saying that her colleague’s departure is “a real loss to politics”. Cllr. Leyden, first elected to Roscommon County

Cllr. Orla Leyden pictured with Cllr. Rachel Doherty.

Council with Cllr. Doherty in 2004, said that they have always worked very well together. “Cllr. Doherty has made a great contribution to her electoral area and county. She has been an articulate, able and vocal public representative – she is passionate and never afraid to challenge the status quo. She is also extremely witty and always great company. I wish Rachel all the best for the future in her professional career”.

MAU: No extra hours, but lots of extra services – Naughten An attempt to have opening hours at the Medical Assessment Unit at Roscommon Hospital extended has run aground – but services will be expanded at the MAU. Deputy Denis Naughten says that he secured €750,000 “per year” to expand services at the MAU with a view to extending the opening hours there. However, Roscommon management has deemed it more beneficial at present to reform the service to provide an expanded model of care. Deputy Naughten says this expansion of services will be aimed at older people. Services for older people to stop them being admitted to hospital and allowing them to return to their homes quicker will be developed, he says, adding that there will also be additional staffing at the former A&E Unit.

Deputy Naughten said: “Earlier this year I secured €750,000 per year to expand services at the Medical Assessment Unit at the hospital with a view to extending the opening hours. However on review by hospital management it was deemed more beneficial, at this stage, to reform the service to provide an expanded model of care ‘more relevant to our local population, particularly older people and GP services’ and which works within the constraints on the existing number of hospital beds”. The focus will be on preventing people from having to be admitted to hospital in the first place and also minimising length of time people need to spend in hospital. “This is the first significant investment at the Urgent Care Centre in Roscommon Hospital since the A&E closed in 2011

and forms part of a commitment which I secured in the Programme for Government,” said Denis Naughten. “This will mean focusing on providing not just urgent care but also preventative care to older patients and urgent outpatient care to medical patients over the age of 16”. Deputy Naughten said that the hospital is in the process of recruiting 15 additional staff including a consultant physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech & language therapist, dietician, pharmacist, social worker and specialist nurses who will form a multidisciplinary ‘Frailty Team’. Additionally, a new consultant radiologist, radiographer and cardiac physiologist will allow the hospital to provide additional diagnostics.

Congratulations to Senator Frank Feighan from Boyle and Elaine Mooney from Castlerea who were married last Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea. The celebrant was Fr. John McManus.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople

PEOPLE POWER WINS  PAUL HEALY

It was the end of October…just over five weeks ago. Noel McTiernan had had enough. The local resident and businessman was reflecting the longheld concerns of many neighbours when he decided it was time for the community to try – again – to address a major road safety issue in the area. Noel decided to organise a public meeting. It was held in St. Michael’s GAA clubhouse and was attended by over 200 people. Up for discussion was the growing concern within the community over safety issues relating to two junctions, one a turn for Croghan and one for Cootehall (both on the N4). There was, Noel noted, a sense of “fear” in the room that night. Local residents have in fact been worried for a number of years. It’s very much a saga by now. There have been numerous accidents over the years…and ongoing fears that a fatality could happen at any time. Noel had gauged the public mood accurately. Now, people power kicked in. Over 1,200 people signed a petition, and there was a huge response to an online survey which called for feedback on accidents at either junction, whether previously reported or otherwise. After a characteristic fist-thumping speech at the meeting, Deputy

Michael Fitzmaurice set up a meeting between concerned parties and the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland). It went ahead last Tuesday – and it went well. The TII gave a commitment to fund the provision of right-hand lanes at both the Cootehall and Croghan junctions. The work should be starting in early 2019. I contacted Noel McTiernan to ask if this is what the local campaigners wanted. “Absolutely. We very much welcome this news, but we won’t be claiming a ‘victory’ until the work is actually done. But we’re very happy with how the meeting went”. Noel was anxious to thank committee colleagues for all their hard work in recent weeks. That committee rolled their sleeves up. People power indeed took over. Motorists who had been involved in accidents were spoken to. The online survey sought information not alone on accidents, but also on near-misses (Noel: “Every near-miss could have been a fatality”). Noel says what secured the TII funding commitment was the revelation about the volume of traffic on the road – and the research which detailed the amount of collisions there have been in recent years. He wishes to thank the committee members for their great work – namely Brian Lee, Mo Robertson, Michael Cryan, Niall Fallon, Paul Duignan and Sinead Flynn.

Local residents and activists Sinead Flynn, Mo Robertson, Brian Lee, Noel McTiernan and Michael Cryan pictured at the dangerous turn-off to Cootehall. Pics: Mick McCormack

Noel also acknowledged the very positive input of Eugene Dwyer (Senior Engineer) of Roscommon County Council. He was grateful too for the support of local politicians. “We are thankful to all local politicians. There was genuine cross-party

support. They were all behind us. I might just single out Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice for special mention. Michael said that he would arrange a meeting with the TII and he was good to his word”. Now, the TII has pledged funding.

The local community will wait for delivery, and wait with confidence. “We won’t celebrate yet, but we’re very happy” says Noel. “This was people power in action – we have been living in fear for too long”.

Breakthrough on Cootehall and Croghan junctions

Campaigners say that vehicles coming from Carrick-on-Shannon have no box to turn right so cars and trucks have to avoid vehicles turning by moving into the hard shoulder.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland this week said it will fund the provision of right-hand lanes at both the Cootehall and Croghan junctions on the N4 between Boyle and Carrickon-Shannon. The decision was announced during a meeting which was held in Leinster House and attended by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), local campaigners, Eugene Dwyer of Roscommon County Council and a number of local politicians. The breakthrough follows a campaign led by residents from the area who had warned that they are fearful for the safety of motorists and pedestrians due to the unsatisfactory design of the junctions. The TII was recently presented

with data on traffic volumes in the area and accordingly has decided that right-hand lanes are justified at the junctions. The planning, design and construction process is expected to take up to six months. During last Tuesday’s meeting, Noel McTiernan from the local community group highlighted the serious road safety concerns for motorists joining and turning off the N4 at the Croghan and Cootehall junctions – as well as the many accidents that have taken place in the area over the years. The meeting was also presented with extensive research and details of the concerns of people who regularly travel on the stretch of road in question.

Politicians welcome upgrade of ‘death trap’ junctions Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, who said that the meeting had been organised at his behest, has welcomed the progess made. He said he welcomes the fact that the senior representatives from TII acknowledged the concerns highlighted by those present and gave a commitment to fund works to put a right turn filter lane in place. Deputy Fitzmaurice added: “It has been agreed that the next phase of the project will consist of drawings of the works required being completed in conjunction with Eugene Dwyer from Roscommon County Council. “The clock has now started to tick on this project and all of the stakeholders need to work together in unison to overcome any obstacles which may arise. These works need to be progressed quickly and efficiently, before someone is seriously injured or even killed at the junctions for Croghan and Cootehall on the N4,” Deputy Fitzmaurice concluded. Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy said that these works will now address the ‘death traps’ on the

two accident blackspots which he said were continually putting people’s lives at risk. Deputy Murphy added: “It could be the end of next summer before these works are carried out and that is why I am adamant that flashing lights be erected in the interim. We are coming into a busy period and traffic will increase. Flashing lights could be erected relatively quickly and represent a short-term solution before the new works are carried out. The TII agreed to also look at this possibility”. Both TDs commended the local activists who have been campaigning on the issue. Also welcoming the news, Senator Frank Feighan said he wanted to compliment the local community and local politicians who have campaigned vigorously on this issue. He said he now looks forward to the “turning lanes” being put in place as soon as possible in order to “address the dangers which have been highlighted for many years by local people”. Senator Maura Hopkins said that she was pleased that Transport Infrastructure Ireland engaged with

Attendees at Tuesday’s meeting with the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland).

the community representatives in such a constructive manner. She said that she is now confident that long-term solutions can be put in place to improve road safe-

ty at the Cootehall and Croghan junctions. Senator Hopkins added that the local community representatives need to be acknowledged for their hard work on this issue.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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Christmas spirit alive and well in Ballaghaderreen Not even some mindless vandalism by those on Santa’s naughty list could dampen the Christmas spirit in Ballaghaderreen this year as the man himself flew in to officially switch on the town’s Christmas lights last Saturday evening. Some minor damage had been reported to the Christmas tree on Main Street over the weekend but the hard-working local volunteers

had put that right very quickly and the town looks splendid ahead of the festive period. Local jeweller Aidan Egan is the chairperson of the Christmas Lights Committee and he was delighted with last Saturday’s show of community spirit. “Last Saturday’s big Christmas lights switch-on went very well and there was a big crowd in attend-

ance. The weather was okay this year, although it was slightly damp. “Santa Claus was there once again to carry out the official switching on of the Christmas lights and there was a good mix of all ages there to see him,” he said. The lights are funded by local businesses in the town and have attracted widespread praise over the last few years, transforming

the townscape into a winter wonderland for the entire Christmas period. Members of the local business community are once again encouraging people to shop local in Ballaghaderreen this Christmas, highlighting the wide variety of local shops, restaurants and pubs on offer and the free parking which is available in the town.

Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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Santa Claus turns on the Christmas lights in Ballaghaderreen last Saturday.

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Mr. Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport presenting the 2018 Be-Inclusive EU sport award to Omar Jaffar and Declan Regan at the Be-Inclusive EU Sport awards in Brussels.

The Ballaghaderreen Community Games group has recently been recognised both nationally and internationally for its inclusiveness and integration of Syrian refugees living in the town. The group was shortlisted for the European Union’s Be-Inclusive award and also claimed the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award, Best Area in Connacht, and Best Overall National Area awards at the National Youth Volunteer and Area Awards in Co. Cavan last Saturday. Area Secretary, Declan Regan, was understandably proud of the group’s efforts. “We were among nine out of 111 projects shortlisted for the European BeInclusive Sports Award. It

was adjudicated on the basis of our integration of Syrian children over the past two years,” he said. The voluntary group had initially introduced the children to local athletics events in keeping with the spirit of the Community Games. At first, some of them competed in their bare feet and struggled with the idea of running competitively against other children. Thanks to the guidance of patient volunteers, however, they soon began to enjoy the sports. “We had 15 children in the county finals and then we had three relay teams with a high number of Syrian children involved at the national finals where there were 4,000 children competing,” Declan added. Ballaghaderreen volunteers were also taken

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen SENATOR

MAURA HOPKINS

Wishing all readers a Happy and Safe Christmas Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local

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Jack McCormack and mum Niamh pictured at the switching on of the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights last Saturday.

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Fiona, Eddie, Lily May and Alice Jane Cogan pictured at the switching on of the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights last Saturday.

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Thank you for your support in 2018 and wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Cllr. Michael Mulligan & Family There was a queue for posting letters in Santa’s Post Box in Ballaghaderreen last Saturday.

Jean, Niamh and Ellen Towey, Teresa Geever and Amy Beirne pictured at the switching on of the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights last Saturday.

Ballaghaderreen Community Games aback at how proficient some of the Syrian children were at events such as table tennis and art. “We stumbled upon the fact that a lot of the boys were quite proficient at table tennis and it turned out that they had learned to play at refugee camps in Greece. They were runners-up in Connacht which was an extraordinary achievement. “There were also children who qualified for national finals in art and model making and one boy who went on to win a bronze medal in U-16s Model Making”. Declan paid tribute to local Community Games volunteers and Ballaghaderreen EROC resident Omar Jaffar in particular. “Omar, who is a refugee himself, spoke at the awards ceremony in Brus-

sels about the welcome they had received in Ballaghaderreen. He recently won a national youth volunteer award for his work in translating and organising events with us”. The Ballaghaderreen committee had won the National Area Award 20 years ago and Declan was happy to report that two of the volunteers from that year were still actively involved with the group, Freda Waldron and Bríd Duffy. “The awards are a lovely acknowledgement but our goal remains, and that is to include all of the children in Ballaghaderreen and to introduce them to sport. There are many famous sports people in the town who first started with Ballaghaderreen Community Games,” Declan concluded.

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RTE Sport presenter Tony O’Donoghue along with members of the Ballaghaderreen Community Games committee after winning the Community Games National Area Award for 2018. Back (l-r): Declan Regan, Bernie Lynch, Alice Naughton, Freda Waldron, Tony O’Donoghue. Front (l-r): Omar Jaffar and Ellen Regan.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Ballaghaderreen Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

C hristmas People Who will you spend Christmas with? I will spend this Christmas with my family and we’ll be getting together at my sister’s home in Ballymurray. Are there any Christmas traditions in your house?

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What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? The best thing about the build-up is that everyone goes into holiday mode and there’s a chilled, laid-back atmosphere. And the worst?

One of our traditions is that we usually saturate the Christmas pudding with brandy – yummy!

I guess it’s knowing that not everyone will be in a position to enjoy a warm Christmas in their own homes.

Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner?

Who’s on your naughty list this year?

I would certainly invite our President Michael D Higgins to Christmas Dinner.

Trish - Ann's

James Gannon, Fireman/Ballaghaderreen Tidy Towns

What gives you that Christmassy feeling? The guys who put up the Christmas lights in Ballaghaderreen. No what the weather is like, hail, rain or snow the lads are there making sure Ballaghaderreen looks good ahead of the Christmas period.

My naughty list features An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Ministers Eoghan Murphy, Paul Keogh and Simon Harris for their incompetency and inability to do their jobs the way they should be done. Who deserves presents? The homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, and all those who have had a bloody hard time for the last few years. All those people who need a little hope and brightness in their lives this year.

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Christmas People Who will you spend Christmas with? I will spend this Christmas with my mum and dad and the rest of my family. Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? We have croissants in the morning when it’s nice and quiet, which is lovely. Then we have loads of neighbours who call in after that and a good old battle of charades is usually the order of the day after dinner that evening. Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? I’d have Darina Allen doing the cooking, Michael Jackson for the tunes and Burt Reynolds because we used to love watching Smokey and the Bandit in this house.

What gives you that Christmassy feeling? The lights in Ballaghaderreen are just beautiful and every time they go up it’s just a really lovely setting of the tone. You can’t beat a good fire either. What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? I think it’s just the spirit of hope and that generally people are in good spirits in terms of giving and kindness. A general level of kindness and compassion for others is evident around Christmas time. And the worst? That would definitely be the commercialism, without a doubt; it’s pretty full on. Who’s on your naughty list this year? Whoever had the bright

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Castlerea Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2019.

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Castlerea lights up this Friday!

A train passes through Castlerea Railway Station last Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

Aoibheann McManus out doing her Christmas shopping in Castlerea on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Christmas People

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Castlerea this Friday night (December 7th) at 7 pm in The Square. According to a source close to the hardworking committee, a “special visitor” will be flying in to throw the switch as Castlerea lights up for the festive period. Santa Claus will be guest of honour charged with the important role and he will be spending some time meeting and greeting the boys and girls who will no doubt be excited to see him. There will be hot chocolate, face painting, and carol singing to add to the festive atmosphere. The lights display is sure to be bigger and better than ever following welcome investment from local businesses and the Castlerea Town Team. This Friday’s festive kick-

off in Castlerea promises to be an event the whole family won’t want to miss!

Food appeal Castlerea Community and Family Resource Centre, together with Castlerea Free Group on Facebook, are issuing an appeal for food donations in order to put together Christmas Hampers for families in the Castlerea area. The group is looking for all non-perishable or dry foods as well as turkeys and ham to complete the hampers. Alcohol will not be accepted. Dates for food collection are the 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th and 19th of December from 10 am to 12 pm. For further information or if these dates and times do not suit, please contact Aisling Nolan on 086-4615537.

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Dorothy Byrne, owner and groomer of Dottie’s Doghouse and Cattery based in Cloondacarra, Castlerea

Who will you spend Christmas with? I’ll be spending it with my darling husband Terry and our six dogs and two cats who’re our family. They’re called Sadhbh and Tara; two Irish Water Spaniels who’re actually an endangered breed. Our 15-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Brandy, Tyson, who is another Jack Russell Terrier and our two Yorkies Pebbles and Pixie; as well as our two rescue cats, a brother and sister called Zeba and Sooty. Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? Oh yes! My husband has a tradition where he loves coloured lights, so they absolutely have to go up on the tree and all around the house, the kennel area and the cattery because, well, sure it’s Christmas for them too after all. Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? Oh Freddie Mercury of course and an old friend called Ger Ward who sadly passed away during the year. And if Ger is coming, then I’d have to invite David Bowie because he was addicted to him. I’d also ask Michael Collins; and in order to make it interesting, sitting opposite him, I’d have (late former Taoiseach) Charlie Haughey. What gives you that Christmassy feeling? Oh people looking for an urgent grooming appointment; and sure while you can only fit in so many you do your best for everyone, because it has to be done. Mind you, the calls usually begin in November! What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? Oh the build-up itself! I love organising to

rea e l t s Ca meet up with friends and family and have get-togethers, and catching up with people who’ve been away and who’ve come home for Christmas. I love people calling to the house too because our house is an open house. And the worst? I hate the advertising. Once Halloween is over the Christmas ads start and it puts so much pressure on people with young kids who want, want, want all the time, so I think there should be no Christmas ads until 8th of December. Who’s on your naughty list this year? Donald Trump because he’s as mad as a bag of frogs! Who deserves presents? (Laughs)…Mrs Trump! Melania deserves presents for being married to Trump. Can I add that myself and Terry would like to wish everybody a Happy Christmas and we hope we all make it safely into 2019.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Castlerea Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

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The small ball still rules! Despite guiding Castlerea Community School to 15 All-Ireland Schools basketball titles, Tooreen’s Joe Henry still loves his hurling. Pics: Mick McCormack

The Square, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Telephone: 094 96 20102 Web: www.callaghanauctioneering.com Email: info@callaghanauctioneering.com Licence Number 001222

Castlerea’s Mighty Joe has 23 All-Ireland titles!  DAN DOONER

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Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas

Former Castlerea Community School PE teacher, Joe Henry, is a legend wherever he goes. He has won 23 Mayo Senior Hurling titles with Tooreen and one Mayo Senior Football title with Shamrocks in 1977, which he believes is a national record. He has also won three Railway Cup medals and two National Hurling League titles. He was also part of two All Star trips to America in the 1970s. The Mayo hurling star took charge of ladies’ football and camogie teams in Castlerea in his early years at the school but is now probably best known for his expertise on the basketball court. He has guided Castlerea Community School to the very peak of All-Ireland schools basketball on 15 occasions. Joe, who recently retired from teaching, is married to former Roscommon camogie star, Martina Waldron, and they have three children: Laura, Joseph and Michael. When he first arrived in Castlerea he enjoyed county provincial success with local camogie club St. Anne’s, for whom his wife Martina was a player. It was later that he came to

be involved in the school basketball teams. “I think our biggest achievements were in camogie, even though we didn’t win any AllIrelands. A lot of the players would never have played until they came into secondary school and we reached a Connacht Schools Final in the late ‘80s. It was great to get the team to that level. “We won an All-Ireland Ladies Football title in 1989 as well, and we were the first team in Connacht to win a senior title in the ladies’ ‘A’ division,” he said before adding that between coaching and playing he has a remarkable total of 23 All-Ireland titles in four different sports. “Hurling would be number one of course! It’s only when I came to Castlerea and was lucky enough to get the PE teaching job that I got into the basketball. “There was a tradition of basketball at the school before I came along so I decided that I had to learn something about it. I started going down to Killala and Ballina to see Ballina playing in the national league. You were watching lads like Deora Marsh and Liam McHale and all the Americans. If you weren’t

there an hour before tip-off you wouldn’t get in the door, it was huge in the ‘80s!” Joe quickly fell in love with the game and dedicated his free time to learning everything he could about it. “I went off to Dungarvan seven years in a row doing coaching courses and was learning about the game. I started to have a little bit of success with teams in the school and it carried on from there,” he said. Castlerea Community School would go on to win a total of fifteen AllIreland titles in Joe’s time,

with their zenith arriving in 2017 when they clinched three national titles and a National Basketball Award. “There’s a great interest in the sport here and we’ve had players represent Ireland over the years too. I’m retired as you know but I’m still going into the school coaching, I couldn’t leave it. The bug is there and you have to keep going,” he said. While committed coaches and players are vital, Joe believes that facilities such as The Hub in Castlerea have also encouraged the development of senior

basketball in the town as well as other sports. “We’re lucky to have The Hub here in Castlerea. It’s absolutely brilliant. It has great facilities for the boxing and there are other sports there too such as badminton, indoor soccer and Gaelic football. We’ve got really good facilities in Castlerea and it’s good to see them being used,” he said. As for Castlerea basketball, Joe is looking forward to seeing the recent success continuing long into the future and still enjoys working with future basketball stars at the school.

Pictured at The Hub in Castlerea last Saturday night for Lonleitros Basketball League match between Castlerea Kings and Sligo All Stars were Joe Henry, Holly Hopkins, Maureen Quinn and Anna Soares. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Castlerea

Food and Craft Fair The Hub will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this Sunday for the Castlerea Food and Craft Fair. What promises to be a festive day out for the whole family will take place from 10 am to 4 pm.

There will be over 20 craft stalls including knitwear, ceramics, wood craft, textiles, jewellery, candles, wreaths and lots more. There will be delicious stalls in the food court

which will feature local producers, live cookery demonstrations in An Chistin, and great gift ideas for the foodies in your family. Entry is free and all are welcome.

ROBERT FLYNN

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMON - Tel: (094) 9620028 Oﬀer you again the best value in town this Christmas

Basketball fans! Aine Webb, Katie Freeman, Marise Gill, Michaela Dowd and Saoirse Webb were supporting the Castlerea Kings in The Hub last Saturday night. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Steel Magnolias’ takes centre stage... Castlerea Drama Group recently staged a successful production of ‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harding in the Trinity Arts Centre. The play is set in Truvy’s beauty shop where all the ladies who are ‘anybody’ come to have their hair done. Throughout the play we share the loves and the losses of six unique Louisiana women who are as delicate as Magnolias and as tough as steel! The group would like to thank the audiences who turned out each night for their warm reception. Thanks also to our sponsors. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

CA S T L E R E A

700 ml Napoleon Brandy ............ €15.99 700 ml Powers ............................€25.00 700 ml O’Neills Cream ................. €8.99 Whiskey 700ml ..........................€16.99 1ltr Smirnoff Vodka .................... €24.99 6 x 500ml Bulmers ..................... €10.00 6 x 500ml Heineken ...................€10.00 6 Italian Bottles Red/White Wine ........ €29.99 8 Tins x 500ml Lager ..................... €9.99 Blossom Hill Soft & Fruity ............. €8.99 Blossom Hill Crisp & Fruity ............ €8.99 Bottle of Red / White Wine ................ €5.99 2x2lt. Cider ................................. €10.99 100 Dog Chews ........................... €3.99 Tins of Roses or Quality Street ..... €4.99 Tins of Family Circle ..................... €4.99 Tins of USA Biscuits & Afternoon Tea ........................... €9.99 Whole Gammon ...................... €1.99/lb 1lb Jar of 100% pure honey .........€3.99 Rashers - per lb ........................... €1.99 18 Eggs only ................................ €1.69 4 1/2 Dozen Eggs ......................... €4.99 60 Firelighters ............................. €2.99 Large selection of watches, wall, cuckoo and mantle clocks at affordable prices Home Cured Bacon

Sausages €1.99 Olde Time Rings of Black Pudding Whole Caraways, Whole Cloves, Fresh Duck and Hen Farm Eggs If you would like to join Castlerea Macra na Feirme please contact Seán on 087 4146480

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2019 from

HAYDEN Shoes Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Tel.: 094 9620435

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

Celebrating over 30 years in business.

€10 off all regular stock for the month of December A very Happy Christmas and New Year from

Castlerea Farm Supplies Patrick Street, Castlerea

Tel.: 094 9620420

BALLINTOBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723 Email: nigel.dineen@hotmail.com Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

PATRICIA’S MONTESSORI Contact Patricia on 083 1007140 or email info@pmontessori.com PATRICIA’S MONTESSORI & AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

THE ENTERPRISE HUB, CASTLEREA

HIGH GRADE, CLEAR PARAFFIN, OIL HEATERS, TABLE LAMPS AND LANTERNS FROM €12.99

CHRISTMAS TREES Freshly cut, all sizes. Fresh Holly and Christmas Wreaths available also Bluestone for soot in ranges and chimneys NOW IN STOCK

Hot chocolate/Tea/Coffee Now in-store LOTTO Laminating, Fax, Stamps, Colour Photocopying Service, Watch Batteries, Watch Straps and Car Key, Batteries replaced 25% off all Fishing Tackle, Pike Rods, Spinng Rods, Fly Rods, Reels, Spinners, Flys - Largest Selection in Co. Roscommon Key Cutting Service - House Keys, Locker Keys, Mortice, Car etc.

See our selection of House Safes

See the best selection in town of Christmas Cakes, Plum Puddings, Boxes of Chocolates, Tins of Biscuits, Christmas Lights, Fibre Optic Trees, Long Red Christmas Candles See our selection of Rabbit Hutches, Bird Cages, Aquariums, Dog Collars, Dog Leads, Dog Cushions, Dog Flea Collars, Pony & Horse Head Collars, Wormers and Flea treatments for cats and dogs COUGHS OR COLDS Try our new season Castlerea local Honey (Limited Amount) and Manuka Honey. Also try our special Cough Bottle and Woodwards Gripe Water. Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Cotton Work Shirts only €16.99 Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Wellingtons, Hats, Archery: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Targets, Arrows and Strings FULL RANGE OF ANIMAL FEEDS Chicken, Duck, Hens, etc. Bird Seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird, etc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls, 9kg Dog Meal special price €10.99 Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag or by the Pound IDEAL GIFTS Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Rechargeable Lamps, Peterson Pipes, Binoculars, etc. Maglites, Swiss Army Knives, Led Lensor, Indur Ladies & Gents, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton Shirts only €14.99, Pyjamas, Tights buy 2 get 1 free Watches at reasonable prices. Fiddles, Violins, Half, three quarter and full size. Ideal present for children. Full selection of Blue Willow Delph, Epsom Salts for feet or baths €1.99 per lb, Briquettes, Firelogs (4 for €5), Coal, Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps & Repair Kits in-store SOME UNWELCOME CHRISTMAS VISITORS Rats and mice - try our one dose bait Rat Traps, Mouse Traps, Mink, Traps, Purse Nets, Goose Grease, Sulpher Recycling Centre Tickets Barna Waste Bags 25kg Gritting Salt 25kg Granular Salt for Dishwashers 25 kg Cube salt for Watersoftners and Iron Cast Frypans Shotguns, Rifles and Air Rifles in Stock Shot Gun Cartridges, Bullets - Eley, Remmington - all top brands stocked. Cartridge Belts, Decoys, Cleaning Kits Licensed Firearms Dealer No Longer Want to License Your Firearm? We can Destroy it for a small fee

May we thank you, our customers for your business during the year and wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Strokestown Beirne B eirne Electric Electric Co. C o. R Roscommon. oscommon.

Tel. T el. 071 071 9633626. 96 33 6 26 . M.. 0 M 086 86 8 8512924 512924 Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year A very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from

ELPHIN STREET, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 071 96 34737 Fax: 071 96 34703 Mobile: 087 6025597 Email: info@kleavyauctioneer.com Auctioneers, Valuers & Estate Agents Independent Mortgage Consultants www.kleavyauctioneer.com

KENNEDY’S

Hayloft Bar Bridge St., Strokestown Tel: 071 9634384

facebook: kennedyshayloftbar Music this Sunday afternoon with the new singing sensation

Carrie Loftus Music from 6.30pm

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Patsy would like to thank all his loyal customers throughout the year and wish them a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year

Patsy Feehily CURRY, STROKESTOWN

Tel. 071 96 33408 or 086 8197158

•Car Diagnostics • Pre NCT Preparation • Electronic Repairs Season’s Greetings from

Strokestown, Co Roscommon S pec ialis ts in the f abr i cat i on and erection of industr ial and f ar m bui l di ngs C E C e rti fi cati on to EN1090- 1 FPC- EX.C.2

P h one 0 71 96 33 11 9 Fax 071 9633900 www.r eganstr u ct ur al st eel . com E mail: info@r e ga nst r uct ur al st eel . com

‘Everything you need in Strokestown this Christmas!’  DAN DOONER

The people of Strokestown are busy getting ready for another busy Christmas period with the Christmas Lights committee ready to illuminate the town once again in the coming days. Local TD Eugene Murphy believes Strokestown has a lot to offer those shoppers wishing to keep it local this Christmas. “In terms of the future of Strokestown, it’s good to see that some new premises’ have opened up recently. It’s certainly a town where you can find everything, so there’s no need to be travelling out of town. You have everything in it; every facility and every type of shop,” he said. Deputy Murphy paid tribute to the local committees which are working behind the scenes in order to promote Strokestown. “The Strokestown Town Team is working very hard in planning for the future alongside the Development Association. There’s also a plethora of local groups who are involving themselves in promoting the area through festivals, sports events and other efforts. “The Christmas lights are a big thing in Strokestown and seem to get bigger and better every year. I’m happy to report that the Christmas tree has been put up and I understand the lights will be switched on in the coming days,” he said. There are a number of events taking place in the town to mark the Christmas period including the Victorian Christmas Experience at Strokestown Park House which will run until Sunday, December 16th. The Hub Community Café will also play host to a Christmas Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday (8th and 9th) as the festive season officially arrives in Strokestown.

“

Strokestown’s certainly a town where you can ﬁnd everything, so there’s no need to be travelling out of town

C hristmas People Who will you spend Christmas with? I will spend Christmas with my husband, our daughter and my mother-in-law who will be coming over to spend a month with us. It’s our first Christmas at our new house so that will be nice. Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? No, but I think we need to start some! Every year we just try to be together and we want our daughter to spend time with her granny so every year granny comes to visit. Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? It would be much nicer if I could have my whole family over here from the UK but they won’t be over until after Christmas. If I said I’d replace them with Channing Tatum or someone I don’t think they’d like that…or maybe some of them would fly over quicker! What gives you that

Christmassy feeling? The Coca-Cola Christmas ad! What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? I like to put up the Christmas decorations and my daughter has her Advent calendar and we get to have that ‘fun’ argument about having just one chocolate a day! And the worst? Probably how busy it gets this time of year. I’d like to spend more time with my daughter and husband but there’s just so much to do. Who’s on your naughty list this year? I don’t think I have one! I feel too positive now so nobody deserves to be on the naughty list. Who deserves presents? Christmas is all about the kids. All kids deserve to be happy and to have nice presents and a nice meal.

Samantha Mean, photographer and owner of Forget Me Not Photography

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Strokestown Strokestown set to light up this Saturday

Santa Claus will be in Strokestown this Saturday evening (8th) at 7 pm to switch on the town’s everimpressive Christmas lights. Mike Snype, is among a number of local business people looking forward to welcoming the Lapland native to the town. “Santa Claus will be here on Saturday in order to switch on the Christmas lights in Strokestown and we’re hoping for good weather and a great turnout as he lights up our town,” he said. The importance of shopping local was once again a hot topic and Mr. Snype was hoping to for a boost to the local economy in the run-up to Christmas. “It’s important to shop local of course and Strokestown has plenty of local shops and businesses for both residents and visitors alike,” Mr. Snype added.

Victorian Christmas Experience in Strokestown The annual Strokestown Park Victorian Christmas Experience is back for 2018. It returned to the beautiful venue last Sunday, December 2nd and will run until Sunday, December 16th. There will be lots of festive attractions for all the family including ‘Story Time’ with Mrs. Claus, traditional arts and crafts, hot chocolate – and animals! The highlight for all will be a visit to Santa Claus in the traditionally decorated library of Strokestown Park House.

Seamus would like to thank everyone for their business throughout the year. Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from ...

Seamus Croghan

Groundwork and Concrete Specialist SPECIALISING IN THE FOLLOWING ● Civil Engineering ● Site Clearance & Site Layout ● Raft and Strip Foundations ● Pipework and Septic Tank insulation to E.P.A. standards. ● Brick & Block paving and Kerbing

086 8720720

Phone: email: seamuscroghan58@hotmail.com

Free Quotations and Advice offered

Silke Cut Hair Fashions

C hristmas People Who will you spend Christmas with? I’ll be spending it with my husband, my children who can make it and my grandchildren. Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? We do the full works for Christmas when it comes to the traditional Christmas Dinner. My husband will prepare everything and my daughter is a chef so we do it between us. One or two of us usually muck in – most of the time anyway! Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? I’d have my extended family including all my brothers and sisters just so we could all be together for Christmas. I’d also invite Brendan Behan because he was such a great playwright, Roddy Doyle because I love his sense of humour, and Sean O’Casey because I loved Juno and the Paycock. What gives you that Christmassy feeling? My faith is very important to me and around this time of year I try to get to Mass to reflect on our Lord being born. I also love to have all the family together. I’ve two grown sons

Rose Byrne, writer/Strokestown Women’s Shed PRO

and two grown daughters. One daughter is in Australia and she’ll be home just after Christmas so that’ll be great and I’ve a new grandchild as well. I look forward to having us all together because we all live in different areas.

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Proprietor: Breege Silke

For appointment contact: 071-9633241

Thank you for your support in 2018 A very Happy Christmas to all A very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from

What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? When you hear carol singers or when you see children in a toy shop and their little eyes are all lit up. Nativity plays too because I’ve gone to one or two of them. Last year I went to my granddaughter’s in her school and that was just lovely.

Antonelli’s

Take-Away & Diner

And the worst? All the running around and shopping you’ve to do and always forgetting to post your Christmas cards on time – last year’s ones are still here! Who’s on your naughty list this year? The Irish Government for not tackling homelessness properly. Who deserves presents? All kids around the world deserve presents at Christmas.

Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Telephone: (071) 9634467 Thank you for your support in 2018 and a very Happy Christmas to all from

Councillor JOE MURPHY Telephone:

Your farm understood

0861052197

Hollyhocks

Playschool & Creche STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Full Day Care ECCE & all other Government Schemes Owner: Helen Cosgrove Cloonslanor, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. 087 6995548 / 086 3985285 Email: cosgrap@hotmail.com Webpage: www.hollyhockscreche.com

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

McHugh’s Gift Shop Wishing all our customers and friends a Happy Christmas and Health and Happiness for the New Year. A sincere thank to you for Best wishes your support. Fund Lecarrow Benevolent

Email: info@mannioninsurance.ie Tel: 0719633174 Jim Mannion (Insurances) Ltd T/A as Mannion Insurances is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Phone: 071 96 33010 GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Health Food Store & Holistic Centre

Strokestown Phone: 071 9634411 Email: tesscall@gmail.com

Many Christmas Gift ideas in store, Cosmetic Hampers & Food Hampers made to order

GIFT VOUCHERS ALSO AVAILABLE. Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas & a Healthy New Year. A sincere thank you for all your kindness and support all year.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas greetings from Strokestown Craft Fair at The Hub Community Café The Hub Community Café team is holding a Christmas Craft Fair on this Saturday (8th) from 3 pm to 8 pm and Sunday (9th) from 12 pm to 6 pm in The Hub Community Café. There promises to be something for everyone with handmade crafts, toys, gifts, mince pies and much more on offer. The Hub’s Christmas Raffle will be held on Friday, December 21st so make sure you buy a ticket – if you’re not in, you can’t win! So come along to the Christmas Craft Fair this weekend and get into the festive spirit with us!

Wishing all our friends and supporters a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and ar New Year

Strokestown GAA Club Wishing one and all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2019

Eugene Murphy TD Elphin Street, Strokestown

Office 071 9633000 Market Square, Roscommon Town

Office 090 6625722 Creagh Road, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Office 087 4353834 EMAIL: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie ●

Please phone for appointment ●

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Christmas Entertainment

21st December: DJ Jamie Lee 23rd December: Shane Cranogue 26th December: The Sharps 29th December: Crazy Corner 30th December: Bobby Shanley 31st December: DJ Jamie Lee

We would like to thank all our loyal customers throughout the year and wish them a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year

AVAILABLE HERE The Sportsmans Inn offers up plenty of live music and sports coverage in a cosy, rural atmosphere

Strokestown readers: Have you seen Hubsy the shop elf? There are strange things happening in Strokestown in the run-up to Christmas! A visitor from the North Pole has been causing mischief and mayhem as he makes his way around local businesses in the town. Hubsy the shop elf is running riot, bestowing great value deals and offers upon the shoppers of Strokestown during the festive season. So far, lots of children (and some adults) have found Hubsy and availed of great value deals in shops throughout the town. In the week gone by, Hubsy has been spotted in Centra Strokestown, McHugh’s Gift Shop, Forget Me Not Photography and The Percy French Hotel and great value has followed the playful elf from business to business. The shop local mascot,

Hubsy, was brought to life by the Hub Community Café in Strokestown as part of a ‘shop local campaign’ which has been orchestrated by Strokestown Town Team. They point out that Strokestown has a lot to offer, with a wide range of great bars and restaurants to be enjoyed in the evening time and shops to peruse in during the day. Strokestown is also home to several brilliant hairdressers and beauticians which is something a lot of towns of a similar size don’t have. This year, people who might not normally think of staying local for their Christmas parties or Christmas gift shopping are being asked to give Strokestown a chance. The businesses in the town make a genuine ef-

Hubsy the shop elf is pictured with a selection of delicious jams from Strokestown Park House and Gardens. (Pic credit: Samantha Mean)

fort to ensure they offer great value to customers both new and old all year ‘round, but especially during the Christmas period. Hubsy the shop elf will

continue his exploits around Strokestown in the coming weeks. So, if you are in Strokestown and see Hubsy in any of the great businesses, snap

a picture and post it to the Strokestown.ie Facebook page, and join in the fun and excitement that is Christmas in Strokestown.

Nobody should be alone on Christmas…unless they want to be!  MIRIAM KERINS

For many Roscommon families, Christmas is a time when everyone gets together to tuck into a traditional turkey and ham, eat too many mince pies all washed down with copious glasses of champagne, while at the same time, deftly deflecting smutty jokes from a drunken relative or two. Sure it’s all

great gas. However, for some readers, possibly those who’re separated from their partners and children, the elderly, the bereaved, or those working away from home, etc., Christmas spent all alone can be pretty upsetting. Then again, as we don’t like to generalise here, we certainly realise there are lots of people who’re sick of constantly

being told how ‘tis the season to be jolly and who, instead of craving company for Christmas, actively look forward to enjoying a solitary yule parked in front of the telly with nothing more than President Higgins’ annual address to help them fall asleep. After all, we all know that, while the rest of the world was jingle belling, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay

Culkin’s character in Home Alone) was having a whale of a time on his tod; so nobody should feel guilty about shunning companionship this festive season. Nonetheless, if you’re reading this and are someone who is dreading spending this Christmas Day alone, we’d like to suggest that you may wish to develop a plan in advance and perhaps, (and it’s only a suggestion), volunteer with a local organisation. Below are some of the ways you could get involved. As there will be protocols for volunteering in place, including, in many cases, Garda-vetting procedures, why not contact your local charities and community groups now to see if they need an extra pair of hands looking in on a senior citizen or by delivering a hot dinner to a housebound senior who’d be delighted with the bit of company. There are plenty of nursing homes/care home facilities across the county whose residents, whom, for various reasons, may not have visitors on Christmas Day. We’re sure the wonderful staff would be thrilled to hear from you with regard to possibly volunteering an hour or two of your time to

pop in and share a piece of pudding, a pint, or to raise a Christmas G&T with their clients, who’ll likely appreciate a chat with a friendly new face. Contact your local SPCA or dog pound. I can tell you the people who run Roscommon’s Dog Pound do an amazing job actively trying to reunite/rehome all dogs that come through their doors. In addition, the local animal charities work selflessly all year round to help abandoned, abused and needy fur babies. So, why not see if these rescue organisations need help with feeding, watering, walking and cuddling homeless/sick dogs and cats on Christmas Day. If you work in the hospitality sector/the travel industry/or in any of our fantastic emergency services like An Garda Síochána, fire and ambulance services/are a volunteer with the Civil Defence, or are working in a hospital or in a family medical practice, and you’re spending Christmas Day alone, (and dreading it), then here’s a thought…why not give a colleague who is rostered on, the gift of time to spend with their family and swap your shift with them. Now isn’t that a wonderfully kind Christmas gesture?

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

#rosmas

Your Roscommon town Shopping Guide

SHOP LOCAL this Christmas

Keep it local this Christmas! A Roscommon Chamber of Commerce & Roscommon People Promotion • Late opening hours • Sunday Shopping

€1,000 VOUCHER GIVEAWAY

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon

#rosmas

€1,000

A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#ROSMAS

TEN €100 VOUCHERS

to be won by ten lucky readers!

In association with Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and the Roscommon People Roscommon Chamber & Roscommon People

VOUCHER COMPETITION

ENTRY FORM Answers to competition (Find the Roscommon Chamber Crest)

The crest appeared in following advertisements: Week One 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Two 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Three 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Four 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________

ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON -------------------------------

Name: Address:

__________________________ ________________________

____________________________________

How to enter

The #rosmas promotion will be published in the Roscommon People between now and Christmas. Each week we will ‘hide’ the Roscommon Chamber of Commerce crest in two of the advertisements published as part of this campaign.

Find the crest… To be in with a chance of winning a €100 voucher, readers must name all eight advertisements in which the crest is ‘hidden’ during the course of this four-week campaign. (Only submit entries after Week Four of campaign, to be published in Roscommon People dated December 14th, 2018). Entries to ‘Roscommon Chamber Voucher Competition’ by 4pm on Saturday, December 15th, 2018. Each entry to include all eight answers, name and address of entrant and a contact telephone number. Entries by post or by hand to Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon; Roscommon; by email to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Ten winners will be selected. Each winner will receive a €100 voucher. Vouchers will be redeemable at any Chamber of Commerce business in Roscommon town.

Tel. no: ______________________________

*Vouchers redeemable at any Roscommon town Chamber of Commerce business

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

C hristmas People Mairéad O’Shea, Parliamentary Assistant for Deputy Eugene Murphy Who will you spend Christmas with? Christmas is all about family so I’ll be with my husband and two children along with some extended family – the more the merrier in our house! Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? We will be up bright and early to see what Santa has delivered and then we usually go to Christmas Mass with the kids. One of the traditions in our house is compulsory hot whiskeys in my aunt’s house after Mass so we will be keeping that tradition going…but mine will be well watered down or else the poor turkey will be well roasted as I’m cooking for the troops this year! Every year either on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, I also have to watch my favourite Christmas film, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ – it’s such a classic and reminds us of what it’s really all about. Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? I would have Donal Skehan cooking up a storm, Paloma Faith singing in the living room and John Bishop to keep us all entertained. What gives you that Christmassy feeling? Once I get the Christmas tree

and decorations up at home it begins to feel more like Christmas. The festive lights and wonderful shop window displays also create a nice atmosphere and the lights committee in Roscommon have done a fantastic job making sure the town looks its best this year. What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? Catching up with friends, visiting family and just the general feelgood factor as everyone is in great form.

Happy faces pictured at the recent Christmas Lights switch-on in Roscommon town.

And the worst? I don’t like the overcommercialisation of Christmas or when you start seeing Christmas cards and gift packs in the shops when Halloween isn’t even over! Who’s on your naughty list this year? Donald Trump – for a myriad of reasons too long to list here! Who deserves presents? Vicky Phelan for her selfless pursuit of justice for victims of the Cervical Check scandal and her campaign to make the ‘pembro’ wonder drug more accessible for all cervical cancer sufferers.

Open Sunday 2pm to 5.30pm Catherine Mai, James, Mairead (O’Shea-Doyle) and Kenny Doyle pictured at the turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

CHURCH STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN. Phone: 090 6626233. Email: mjfarrell@eircom.net

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

#rosmas

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

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Katherine Lynch launches ALONE ‘Have a Laugh’ Christmas campaign ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, has launched their Christmas campaign which asks individuals to reach out to older people who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation and to ‘Have a Laugh for Loneliness’. Comedienne Katherine Lynch launched the charity’s Christmas initiative in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre and urged members of the public to donate to ALONE and to offer friendship and support to those who are lonely or living alone. The campaign encourages families, friends, and communities to get together this winter to hold a bake sale, a coffee morning or another social event to raise funds for ALONE and combat loneliness in their community. The charity are also asking that the public make their Christmas donation to ALONE to help support the over 100,000 older people who are lonely in Ireland. Katherine Lynch commented at the launch: “I’m so excited to help ALONE launch their Christmas campaign this year. I’ve long been an admirer of

their work and am delighted to be a part of such a positive message. Loneliness and isolation can be serious problems for older people and dropping in for a cup of tea or helping a neighbour with their shopping could make all the difference to their week”. She continued: “What we all need, no matter our age, is a good laugh. And there’s really no better reason than Christmas to drop in to your older neighbour or relatives and catch up!

“

Loneliness and isolation can be serious problems for older people and dropping in for a cup of tea or helping a neighbour with their shopping could make all the difference to their week

We’re all busier than ever and it’s important to take the time to check on the people around us, whether someone needs some help or just your company”. ALONE provides direct, frontline services to people aged 60 years and over, through befriending, support coordination, housing and BConnect assistive technology. With the effects of loneliness on older people including increased risk of dementia, depression and cognitive decline, ALONE wants every older person to know that support is available to them. ALONE’s activities over Christmas will include Christmas dinner dances for older people and volunteers, the delivery of hampers and Christmas trees to older people in need and a special Christmas Day Dinner delivery for a number of older people. For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in their community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032. To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmas, visit www.alone.ie

Pictured are comedienne Katherine Lynch and Margaret Browne, (aged 83), who avails of ALONE’s services.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

47kg FloGas

Bord na Mona Briquettes

20kg

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Georgina, Robert, Zoe, Shauna, Conor and Owen Feeley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were cousins Robbie and Darragh Kelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Anna, Donal and Anita Moran. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

#rosmas

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Grainne and Caroline Feeley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch’s Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Aoife, Gerry, Katie, Carina, Sean and Donnacha Kiernan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Niamh, Caoimhe and Caitlin Conneelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Ava, Holly, Mia and Lorraine Lynch. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Liz and Cian Mulry. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

#rosmas

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

MOLLOY’S MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net Offers available from 6th to 9th Dec . 2018

Pictured: Teachers, Edmund Rice students and TY mentors at the outdoor gym in the Edmund Rice Centre at the announcement that they have been shortlisted for a National Inclusion Award.

CBS Edmund Rice Centre shortlisted for National Inclusion Award The CBS Roscommon Edmund Rice Autism Centre is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for a National Inclusion Award. This is a major national accolade, recognising the success of schools and other community organisations in enhancing opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity, in particular for those with special needs. The Centre is one of three schools across the country nominated for increasing physical activity amongst students in an ongoing, fun and inclusive way. The staff and management understand and appreciate the positive impact

that sport has on the lives of its students, and they have developed a programme to reflect this. Students visit the swimming pool, go to the gym and learn how to use the equipment and participate in PE regularly. They also use the outdoor gym equipment in the centre on a daily basis. To encourage and mentor students, a ‘Buddy System’ has been set up which sees them work in conjunction with Transition Year students. According to Orla O’Connor of the Edmund Rice Centre, being shortlisted for the award reflects the Centre’s ongoing emphasis on physi-

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Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and every good wish for New Year

cal activity as a key life skill. “The Edmund Rice Centre aims to equip each student with the knowledge, competence and skills necessary to participate in sport and physical activity on an ongoing basis. It is a testament to the work that is carried out within the school, and also the support provided by the wider community in allowing our students to enjoy facilities such as the gym and the pool on a regular basis. It reflects also on the inclusive atmosphere within the CBS, which sees students of all abilities work together in improving sports and physical skills”.

Gift Vouchers Available

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Now taking orders for Christmas Cakes, Puddings, Turkey/Ham Orders,Diabetic Cake/Pudding

NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2018 – Molloys Gateaux Delights - €12.00 Flavours – Mint Aero, Lemon, Raspberry, Red Velvet, Coffee & Walnut, Caramel Don’t delay and pick up the phone and order today

Tel. 090 66 25940 Limited Availability Entertaining this Christmas, Molloys Bite Size Sweet Treats have you covered ... enjoy with Friends and Family this Festive Season…

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‘A sustainable local family business’

Great tasting Fresh Food (Bread, Cakes, Sweet Delights) on your doorstep

LOOK WHO TIANA MET IN MOLLOY’S… Tiana Burke pictured with a snowman in Molloy’s Bakery, Abbeytown recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Visit us in Abbeytown, Galway Rd., Roscommon Town • Email: info@molloysbakery.ie • Tel: 090 6625940

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

Merry Stressmas everyone…but it doesn’t have to be that way  MIRIAM KERINS

As the big day draws near, many of us, (me included) are crumbling in a heap under the burden of things to do, people to see, gifts to buy, bills to pay and places to go; not to mention panicking over the pounds I’ll probably pile on due to nibbling goodies and sipping cocktails, because every time someone says “ah sure g’wan, it’s Christmas,” I don’t want to say no and be labelled a miserable Grinch! You see, as Christmas is billed as a time of comfort and joy and happy families, the fact is, it can prove to be a highly stressful and anxious time for those of us, okay, let’s be honest here, the hard-working, multi-tasking women, who, in our quest to create the picture perfect, magical Christmas, spend our days cooking, cleaning, wrapping, menuplanning and thinking up thoughtful little notes to write on Christmas cards. Then there’s the decorating, the kids’/grandkids’ school plays to attend, the cushion plumping and the preparing of the spare room for guests who have, let’s say, notions, and, er, great expectations, when they arrive on Christmas Eve with a suitcase full of dirty washing and

then don’t actually feck off until 2nd January…you know who you are! Yes, while it’s true, we adore Christmas, and, while it’s supposed to be the season of sugar, spice and all things nice, the fact is, if you’re the bean an tí, despite fighting for our equality, and bashing our heads on that glass ceiling, despite those labour-saving devices like microwave ovens, dishwashers and pre-prepared supermarket starter platters and cheese boards, we’re still time-poor and stressed to the max! And yes, we know our wonderfully helpful hubbies/partners do their best; and sure it must be difficult for them to absorb all of that stress generated from their last-minute frantic Christmas gift googling activities, meaning the poor things are too emotionally troubled to face the fresh hell that is cleaning an oven or running a hoover round the house; so best to let them have a liedown girls. Only jokin’ lads, you’re all legends. However, there does appear, (in some households…not mine, hubby’s a regular helper elf), to be a decidedly unequal division of housework and childcare, meaning as women, we seem to do much more work than anyone else, especially those of us who work outside of the home. So, if that’s you, this

year, why not consider doing the following: Say ‘no’… It’s not your job to please everyone! If people want a selection of starters, provide one, and let them bring the others. Prioritise your time and only attend the parties/events you want to attend; not the ones where you feel you ‘should’ show your face. Prioritise yourself It’s your Christmas too mammy, so, as you wrap those presents that come from ‘both of you,’ even though you’ve shopped, chosen, bought and wrapped them; consider what little luxury gift you’d like this year and treat yourself to it. Make a list Decide which tasks you absolutely need to do – and focus on doing them. When they’re tackled, look at the ‘could do’ list next and see if you can delegate anything on it. Bin the ‘should do’ list! Seek help! It may seem obvious, but have you tried actually asking your partner for help? Remember, you’re a team, so the workload should be shared, so why not allow your ‘other half’ to take some of the responsibility; we’re sure they’d be delighted to lend a hand.

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Advertorial

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JACKSON’S ‘At the heart of Guest House & Restaurant The Square, Roscommon. Tel. 090 66 65599 Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties

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MAIN COURSE 10oz Prime Irish Sirloin Steak (extra €5.00) Grilled to your liking with sauté onions & mushrooms ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Traditional Turkey & Ham Served with sage & onion stuffing, roast gravy & cranberry sauce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pan Fried Seabass Served with lemon butter cream sauce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Supreme Chicken Served with mushroom sauce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DESSERTS Trio of Yummy Delights

090 6665599 jacksonguesthouse@gmail.com facebook.com/JacksonsGuesthouse www.jacksonsguesthouse.com

town, in the heart of your Christmas’ Bookings now being taken at Jackson’s! Secretly, we all know that the best thing about Christmas is the build-up: the anticipation, the excitement, loved ones coming home, the one time of the year that truly matters for our family and friends, all together for those precious few days. And at Jackson’s on The Square in Roscommon town, we would like to think that we can add our own bit of Christmas sparkle to your treasured festive occasions. Situated right in the heart of Roscommon, within walking distance of all the shops for those last Christmas presents buys, our modern, welcoming and local restaurant offers you the very best start to the celebrations. Whether it be a light lunch after an exhausting morning, a quiet dinner with your loved one in some private peace or a large party where our homely welcome will let you relax and cherish the moment, we can cater for all. Should the house be full, remember that we also have 10 ensuite, deluxe rooms for guests who might need putting up, and in a place that truly is a home from home. Our proprietor Jasim Dewan, a chef who has

been profiled in the national media, alongside our General Manager, Dinesh Narain, who has years of experience in the hospitality business, along with their local staff, extend to you the warmest of welcomes. The Irish Examiner called us ‘great and terrific’, and we hope you’ll see that! Our Christmas specials include a fabulous and reasonably-priced 3-course menu of only €29.95, including the very best of roast striploin of beef, the wonderful turkey and ham, sumptuous grilled sea bass, the superb confit leg of duck, as well as vegetarian options. Set menus are also available for group bookings. So we would love to welcome you to come and join the newest and most heralded restaurant in Roscommon. We are at the heart of the town, and in the heart of your Christmas. To book today, contact 090-6665599.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

Award-winning dining at Rogue & Co. #rosmas

C hristmas People Who will you spend Christmas with? I will spend Christmas with my family this year in Roscommon. My sister Charlotte is going to Australia for a few weeks so she won’t be there. She’ll be back St. Stephens Day though with her new Australian boyfriend – so collecting them from Dublin Airport will be exciting! Are there any Christmas traditions in your house? We have loads of traditions, but this year my favourite will be going to my sister Katie-Anne’s house for dinner on Christmas Eve and then Midnight Mass. She just had a baby boy, Bobby, and it will be his first Christmas – let’s see how long the Christmas tree stays intact! Who would you have at your fantasy Christmas Dinner? My fantasy Christmas Dinner would be all of my brothers and sister who can’t be there…and maybe Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper for a duet after dinner! What gives you that Christmassy feeling? Every year the girls in our house bring my dad to a nice restaurant in Dublin and then to a musical, this year it’s Les Miserables in the Bord Gáis. We walk around soaking up the atmosphere on Grafton Street. We love that! What’s the best thing about the build-up to Christmas? Winter clothes like hats and gloves, nice food, Christmas music, Christmas bed sheets, cinnamon scented candles and a roaring open fire! And the worst? Trying to get everything completed in work before year-end! Who’s on your naughty list this year? The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, for not allowing the drug Pembrolizumab to be made available for all cervical cancer patients who require it. Who deserves presents?

Rogue & Co. is the 2015, 2016 and 2018 winner of the Irish Restaurant Association’s Award for ‘Best Café in County Roscommon’. The Roscommon town establishment was also the 2017 winner of the ‘Best Casual Dining’ category. Rogue & Co. is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sundays 11 am to 4 pm. Our modern café is situated in a central location on Main Street with plenty of free parking to the rear. All dishes at Rogue & Co. are made from scratch using only the finest and freshest local ingredients and freshly baked scones and tarts are available each day. Our friendly staff serve a full range of cooked to order breakfasts, crisp salads, savoury tarts, creative sandwiches as well as delicious and filling lunch specials each day. Rogue & Co. also has a beer and wine licence, and offers a large selection of coffees and teas which makes it the perfect place to catch up any time of

Aishleen O’Toole, REA Seamus Carthy and Jacinta’s Smile Every kind individual who supported our organisation – Jacinta’s Smile – Sibling Bereavement Support. To all of those who both donated and volunteered for us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy 2019!

the week! Everything on the menu is also available for take-out so if you don’t have time to sit and enjoy our comfortable surrounds, simply call and collect on 090-6630077.

Harrisons Coﬀee House

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Harrison Centre, Roscommon Town. Tel.: 09066 34772 ●

● Tasty Food ● Great Coffee Relaxed atmosphere ● Centrally located

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 10 - 6pm. Sunday opening from December 2nd 2018 from 12pm to 5pm for Christmas period. Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Veterinary Supplies Ros MART BUILDINGS, ROSCOMMON TEL.: (090) 6625900

Christmas Draw NOW ON Prizes galore to be won OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9-6pm Open late Tuesday evening #rosmas

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year

China Palace Thai & Asian Restaurant 11 Main Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 6626337

090 6630648

Gift Vouchers available

Margaret Finnerty, Maureen O’Donovan and Jackie Doyle pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

Tom, Finn and Trish Killion pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

Book now for your Christmas Party Night Bring your own wine #rosmas

TY ew .. I ! N ok. AL E lo QU IC E V M R SA E S

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Klassic Cleaners

Sinead Benedetti and Tess Kearney pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

Mae, Gerry, Tara and Brian Keane pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

FREE Church Street, Roscommon. cust omer draw Tel: 090 6625995 DRYCLEANING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

• Suits, pants, coats, jumpers, shirts, casual/formal dresses, etc. • Ironing/pressing service

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FULL LAUNDRY SERVICE, including; Blankets, Duvets, Throws, Team Kits, etc. #rosmas

Tara Murphy and Ann Fitzmaurice pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

Laura Casey, Robyn Farrell and Laura Curley pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

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Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Cluain Fraoigh Business Park, Lanesboro Road Cluain Business Park, Co.Fraoigh Roscommon, F42Lanesboro X566 Road Co. 090 Roscommon, 6626101F42 X566 090 6626101 www.caseysroscommon.ie www.caseysroscommon.ie

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The Kelly family and friends from Ballintubber pictured at ‘Hairspray’ staged by the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon recently.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

#rosmas

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas at Gleeson’s R&R

‘TIS THE SEASON ...To Celebrate! Good Times

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C HRISTMAS PARTIES

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Courses with Tea or Coffee €26.50

Hot Punch on Arrival WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY ACCESS 120 EASY CAR PARKING SPACES

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IT’S TIME FOR SOME FESTIVE R&R Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Celebrate the festive season with colleagues, family and friends in the warm and welcoming surrounds of Gleeson’s R&R, The Square, Roscommon. Gleeson’s is all about ‘making time for you’ and never more so than at Christmas. From Christmas Party celebrations for 10 to 150 people to festive lunch or dinner get-togethers with family and friends, here at Gleeson’s it’s the perfect place to enjoy that festive feeling and relax before Christmas. Enjoy the finest, traditional Christmas menu in the warm and homely Manse Restaurant. Dance your Christmas socks off in the private function room with full bar facilities, perfect for a work night out or Christmas party celebrations. For a more informal night out, buffet parties can be organised for 20 or more people. Enjoy a delicious 3-course festive set menu with tea & coffee for €26.50 per person and buffet menu for €12.50 (€17.50 with dessert), minimum booking for buffet of 20 people.

The private function room is perfect for larger groups, with full wheelchair access, 120 free parking spaces and a full bar licence. It’s everything you need to get that festive feeling flowing. Still don’t know what to get that special someone? How about you let them choose… Gleeson’s have gift vouchers that can be used in both restau-

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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rant and accommodation. Book your festive lunch, festive dinner or Christmas party at Gleeson’s or buy your vouchers by calling 090-662 6954 or email info@gleesonstownhouse.com. Make a night of it with a stay from €79 per room…to book visit www.gleesonstownhouse. com or by calling 090-662 6954.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Christmas 2018 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People

#rosmas

AT RECENT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON IN ROSCOMMON…

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year

Experience finest Indian cuisine at…

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INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 090 66 34973

* TAKEAWAY SERVICE *

We’d love to host your Christmas Party Party!!

Call Jazz (086-7917274) or Sharma (089-4749474)

Gift Vouchers also available Bring your own wine or beers (no corkage)

SET MENU

Menu A €30 (for 2 people) STARTER: Onion Bhagi; Veg Samosa MAIN COURSE: Veg Balti; Veg Korma with Tarka Dal; Side Veg/Rice x 2 Naan Bread; Papadom x 2

MENU B €33 (for 2 people) STARTER: Chicken Paakoara; Chicken Poori MAIN COURSE: Chicken Rogan Josh; Chicken Balti with Bamboo Aloo Side Pilau Rice x 2; Naan Bread; Papadom x 2

MENU C €38 (for 2 people)

Open 5pm until late

STARTER: Meat Samosa; Sheekh Kebab MAIN COURSE: Chicken T. Jalfarezi; Chicken T. Chasney with Aloo Ghobi Side Fried Rice x 2; Garlic Naan Bread; Papadom x 2

LEONA A WINNER WITH LYNCH FLOORING… Congratulations to Leona McLoughlin, who won a €100 Lynch Flooring gift voucher in the Lynch Flooring Massive Autumn Sale competition. Leona is pictured receiving her prize from Gabriel Lynch recently.

WEEKEND PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

‘And Thank You’… Seamus returns to Roscommon

‘The Curse of the Button Accordion’ comes to Ballygar

Seamus O’Rourke, a favourite of Roscommon audiences, makes a welcome return to the Roscommon Arts Centre stage on Thursday, December 13th at 8 pm with his new play ‘And Thank You’. The award-winning writer, director and actor has previously entertained Roscommon audiences with performances of Dig, Victor’s Dung, Ride On, Padraig Potts’ Guide To Walking and Under The Bed, and he is renowned for capturing what it is to be quintessentially Irish in all of his works. And Thank You…is a play about an ordinary man living in rural Ireland who gets saved. Saved from a life of pub talk and prophesising. King John O’Sullivan used to be able to drink fifteen pints without needing the loo. Now it’s every nine! Going to the gents so often can wear a man out. The story is told by the Reverend Thaddaeus Clancy and O’Sullivan’s two sons, Larry O and Martin. The sons run the family shop while Daddy, the King of McKenna’s Bar, makes up the rules. It’s a story of hard work, success and dangling. There’s bad driving…and ice hockey… and falling down. Seamus will close his nationwide tour of And Thank You…in Roscommon and in usual Seamus O’Rourke style, it will be a night of theatre to remember. Tickets are available now from box office on 090-6625825 and from www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

Comedian Sharon Mannion (RTÉ’s Bridget & Eamon) brings her hilarious show ‘The Curse of the Button Accordion’ to the Ballygar Arts and Theatre Space this Saturday (December 8th) at 8 pm. Sharon’s play is based on her worries, fears and aspirations growing up in a Roscommon village. Sharon Mannion is a worrisome child. Will she live up to the expectations of her ex-showband star father and Midwest FM-loving mother? On receiving a shiny new button accordion, Sharon is thrust into the local limelight but things soon turn sour and she begins to think that accordion might have her cursed. Tickets for this Saturday’s show cost €12/€10 and are available from Louise Holian on 087-7437443. Check out Ballygar Arts & Theatre Space on Facebook or www.speckintime.com for more information.

Santa’s little helpers! Susan Maree, Teresa Geever and Caroline Coffey pictured at the switching on of the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights last Saturday.

Crooners bring Christmas to the arts centre!

Ronan and Rachel Deeley and Aine O’Brien pictured at the switching on of the Ballaghaderreen Christmas Lights last Saturday.

If you are looking for a festive night out, Roscommon Arts Centre has just the ticket as they present Christmas Crooners on Friday, December 7th at 8 pm. The show is jam-packed with festive favourites including Christmas hits from Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ himself – Frank Sinatra! This fantastic cast of West-End singers is backed by the superb and talented swing band The Jazz All Stars as they perform over thirty well-known Christmas songs including: ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Rocking Around The Christmas Tree’ and many more. There will also be swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs such as ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Deck The Halls’. Staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, this brilliant production comes complete with Christmas trees, a rocking chair and of course a lovely warm fireplace; just right for roasting those chestnuts and toasting the season! The Crooners give the audience a show full of swinging Christmas cheer, and witty banter, a perfect show for the perfect season. It’s guaranteed to get you in the festive mood, so come and sing along to great songs from Christmas past with the Christmas Crooners. Tickets are available now from Roscommon Arts Centre on 090-6625824/roscommonartscentre.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

WeekendPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Today’s Psalm paints a dream-like scene –a road filled with liberated captives heading home to Zion (Jerusalem), mouths filled with laughter, tongues rejoicing. It’s a glorious picture from Israel’s past, a “new exodus,” the deliverance from exile in Babylon. It’s being recalled in a moment of obvious uncertainty and anxiety. But the psalmist isn’t waxing nostalgic. Remembering “the Lord has done great things” in the past, he is making an act of faith and hope – that God will come to Israel in its present need, that He’ll do even greater things in the future. This is what the Advent readings are all about: We recall God’s saving deeds – in the history of Israel and in the coming of Jesus. Our remembrance is meant to stir our faith, to fill us with confidence that, as today’s Epistle puts it, “the One who began a good work in [us] will continue to complete it” until He comes again in glory. Each of us, the Liturgy teaches, is like Israel in her exile – led into captivity by our sinfulness, in need of restoration, conversion by the Word of the Holy One (see Baruch 5:5). The lessons of salvation history should teach us that, as God again and again delivered Israel, in His mercy He will free us from our attachments to sin if we turn to Him in repentance. That’s the message of John, introduced in today’s Gospel as the last of the great prophets (compare Jeremiah 1:1–4, 11). But John is greater than the prophets (see Luke 7:27). He’s preparing the way, not only for a new redemption of Israel, but for the salvation of “all flesh” (see also Acts 28:28). John quotes Isaiah (40:3) to tell us he’s come to build a road home for us, a way out of the wilderness of sin and alienation from God. It’s a road we’ll follow Jesus down, a journey we’ll make, as today’s First Reading puts it, “rejoicing that [we’re] remembered by God”. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www. salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club McManus Cup – 1st: A. Rafferty & V. McManus, 2nd: T. & M. O’Keeffe, Gross: C. McGrath & C. Ansboro, 3rd: M. Feeley & K. Holmes. Session 1: J. Donnellan & J. Halliday. Session 2: K. Dowd & P. O’Shaughnessy. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: N. Murtagh & M. Shannon, 2nd: L. Curley & P. Cooney, Gross: T. Smyth & L. Shine. St. Coman’s Bridge Club North/South – 1st: B. Wrafter & M. Smyth, 2nd: K. Hanley & J. Walsh, Gross: M. Egan & M. Moran. East/ West – 1st: M. Fallon & G. Kenny, 2nd: N. Costello & C. McGrath, Gross: K. Dowd & C. Ansboro. Ballymurray Bridge Club Section A North/South – 1st: S. Farrell & M. Law, 2nd: P. Donnelly & N. Rogers, Gross: B. Jones & R. McDermott. East/West – 1st: F. Kelly Henry & M. Clarke, 2nd: M. Naughton & K. Gately, Gross: M. McSharry & T. McManus. Section B North/South – 1st: A. & M. Costello, 2nd: A. Kilduff & E. Mulry, Gross: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney. East/West – 1st: P. & V. Finneran, 2nd: S. & M. Gregory, Gross: E. Curley & A. Hewitt.

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

Food for thought:Was justice done in the case of the €1.50 Pringles? It’s Sunday morning as I write, and as I am having a little look at the front of the Sunday papers, I’m drawn to an attention-grabbing headline on the Sunday World – ‘Woman jailed for opening €1.50 box of crisps blasts legal system’. Underneath it, we are told she got a two-month term while ‘dealers and paedos walk free’.

It’s been a long time since I bought a Sunday World, as I am very much an Indo man, but this time the story captured my full attention. As a result, I headed home for the obligatory full Irish with a copy of the paper under my oxter, excitement building as I prepared to read about yet another miscarriage of justice.

Down through the last number of years I have highlighted several cases of ridiculous sentencing by the judiciary, and on the face of it it certainly looked as if we had another example of legal wrongdoing here. However, after reading the full story, I have to admit I am not so sure. You see, the young lady involved

Pictured at the Down Syndrome Ireland Roscommon branch Christmas Party in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday were Matthew, Mattie, Claire and Kate Colum. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Magical Christmas atmosphere on our day trip to Dublin It’s Monday morning, and more than a year and a half after I got the free travel, I am finally making use of it and travelling by train. I find myself boarding the 8.38 am service from Roscommon to Heuston Station, and am quite surprised at the large numbers who are also heading to the capital city. In truth it has been nearly 40 years since I last used the rail network, and it has certainly improved quite a bit in the intervening years. After a very comfortable, smooth journey we disembarked in the city in a good bit under two hours. For me, one of the great joys of going to Dublin is breakfast in Eddie Rocket’s, and so the first place I headed to was the O’Connell Street branch where (don’t tell my doctor) I enjoyed the full Eddie Rocket power breakfast. After that we did the usual window shopping trip, with the Christmas stalls in Henry Street proving particularly interesting to me. It goes without saying that we ran into several local people, most of whom warned me not to mention them in the paper, but one who didn’t was Ballygar man Johnny Martin, who

was happily visiting his newly-born grandchild. The atmosphere in the city was just magic, with unbelievable lighting in every street, shopping centre and mall. The GPO was an amazing sight –all lit up – and I have to say it was a most enjoyable experience. Now that I have finally got started, Irish Rail will be seeing a lot more of me in the future. On the way home I realised that a huge number of people are commuting daily to the city for work. Indeed several of them were using their laptops on the way home to do their business –compliments of free WiFi from Irish Rail – before heading back up to Dublin the following morning. It’s tough going, as a lot of them have to be on the train at 6 am or so in the morning (to make their offices in time), but as a girl who was sitting beside us explained, the cost of accommodation in Dublin leaves them with no choice, as they simply can’t afford to live there. Anyway, it was great to see how things are in our capital city, and all I can say is I enjoyed my visit. Nonetheless, stay local when you are doing your Christmas shopping – your own area needs you most.

had 31 previous convictions for theft, criminal damage and handling stolen goods, and at the time of the offence she was barred from the Tesco store where the theft of the Pringles took place. So, while on the face of it the offence was a very minor one, I suppose the dilemma facing the Judge was – where do you draw the line? On one hand I would be very sympathetic towards the young lady, but on the other hand, there must be a deterrent put in place to let everyone know that serial theft will not be tolerated. Also, we shouldn’t forget that there are small retailers being put out of business on a regular basis through the actions of organised robbing gangs. It is not too long since we ourselves in Lynn Antiques in Athlone were the victims of a major theft, carried out in a most professional way by a gang of five or six people. We were very lucky that the Gardai apprehended them before they had time to get rid of their ill-gotten gains. So, while I genuinely felt sorry for the defendant, for once I think the Judge was forced to make a decision, that – while unpopular – under the circumstances was the correct one. As it happens, the woman got bail and won’t be locked up for Christmas, and as she is going to appeal, she may never have to serve any jail time. If she’s lucky enough to avoid the ultimate punishment, I hope she learns her lesson and leaves stuff that doesn’t belong to her on the shelves. At the end of the day, no matter how small the item, theft is theft, and it is a miserable, low act.

And finally… Finally for this week, it’s hard to believe it but another year has almost passed, and Mary Kelly has reminded me that one of the biggest social events of the year, the Senior Citizens’ Party, takes place this Sunday, 9th of December in St. Mary’s Hall, Kilbegnet. It all starts at 2 pm. There will be music, food, drink and loads of craic. Thanks to the hard-working committee it’s all free gratis, and everyone is welcome. Just as with the free travel, I am fully qualified to attend the hooley on Sunday. Hopefully I will make it, but even if I can’t, you better make sure you are there and have a wonderful day’s fun – you deserve it!

Till next week, Bye for now!

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

WeekendPeople newsbriefs Local Mental Health Forum meeting The next Roscommon Local Forum is being held on Monday, December 10th from 6-8 pm in Regari, The Lodge, Athlone Road (adjacent to the Roscommon Hospital). The purpose of a Local Mental Health Forum is to gather the views and experiences of people using mental health services, and of their family members and carers, with a view to bringing about positive change within the mental health service. All are welcome.

Free Healthy Ireland events in New Year As part of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme, the following events will take place in January 2019 at Roscommon Library: Thursday, 10th of January, 7 pm to 8 pm: Beginners Pilates (with Goretti Dwyer). Tuesday, 15th of January, 6.30 pm to 8 pm: Understanding Stress & Building Resilience (with Paul Marsden). Tuesday, 22nd of January, 6.30 pm to 8 pm: Getting a good night’s sleep (with Paul Marsden). Tuesday, 29th of January, 6.30 pm to 8 pm: Beginners Yoga (with Avril Mullally). All events are free – however booking is essential by phone (090) 6637277 or (090) 6637282 or by email at lkeane@ roscommoncoco.ie

‘Thank you’ from Ballinagare Ladies Ballinagare Ladies Club wishes to thank everyone who supported its recent coffee morning and calendar sale. A total of €700 has been donated to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice following the event.

Mike Bracken and Danny Neary pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Why it’s a joy to shop local When a customer buys from a local business it’s a no-brainer that the majority of the money they spend remains within the community; yet each year around Christmas time, we hear about the increase in online sales sounding the deathknell for the small local business man/woman who is, against the odds, battling for survival in their bricks-and-mortar store. Now, while you may be reading this thinking, but sure if some in the bricksand-mortar fraternity adapted and kept up with the times and trends, surely they’d have no trouble competing in the strong e-commerce market. And yes, while that’s a perfectly logical analysis, the fact is dear readers, without the Holy Grail that is super-fast and super-efficient broadband, our local businesses cannot even get their foot on the online sales ladder, gain traction and compete in this lucrative market. So what’s got Mir on her soapbox; I hear you ask! Well, I’m sure you’re all familiar with last week’s findings by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland report which warned us that ‘small-town Ireland is facing a ‘perfect storm’ which has torn the heart out of life on main street,’ something which I think you’ll probably all agree is very worrying, making it sound like living and shopping in rural Ireland is stark, joyless, oppressive and, well, downright bloody miserable. However, as someone who has come from the big smoke to live here among you lovely people, I can tell you that yes, while I understand business owners are facing a major struggle for survival in Roscommon,

it’s been my experience that shopping and socialising in our little towns, in particular our wonderful county town, is anything but cheerless and uninviting; nay, for me, it’s a real pleasure! And, if I may appear a little bit disloyal to my native Dublin, I find that Roscommon is probably one of the cosiest places to spend one’s hard-earned Christmas present-buying cash, because of the variety of independently owned shops, boutiques, hair and beauty salons, restaurants and hotels, and I would hate to think this report, (thorough, informative, and highly sympathetic though it is), would give consumers the impression that folks here in Roscommon are living in a Dickensian state of grinding poverty and baa humbug(esque) misery, when we are not! We’re full of the joys of the season and, with our trademark friendliness oozing out of every pore…I say ‘our’ and yes, I know I’m a blow-in, but you’re stuck with me, so deal with it…it means our local towns and villages are the perfect place in which even the most stressed out shopper/diner/visitor can immerse themselves when seeking the ultimate traditional Christmas experience… so there. And, as if proof were needed, sure only last Friday, having experienced a c**p week, my face, which, following many sleepless nights, looked like a bag of melted toffees, (even after I’d trowelled on a shed-load of make-up), lit up the second I parked my car…for free, I may add. Hearing the joyous strains of seasonal ditties chiming from the main street’s

speakers, I bounced along like a born-again geriatric teenager drunk on tonic wine, such was the wonderful festive atmosphere wafting through the streets. Despite the fact I was short on time, I felt encouraged to take an hour to myself and pop into one of the family owned, independent restaurants in the town for a cup of original coffee, a homemade artisan scone and buy a loaf of their heaven-sent treacle and walnut loaf; which I’m stock-piling in the freezer for the fussy rellies when they arrive. So what I’m trying to say folks is that yes, while rural towns and businesses are struggling, and missing out on the power of online sales, they have the potential to win the war by offering us, the loyal customer, in-store exclusives, invitations to events that provide discounts, and other little perks that not only make it convenient for us to shop with them, but make us feel confident that by spending our money locally we are getting the best ever deal, thus creating and generating local brand loyalty. And yes, while buying local means convenience and better service, remember Minister Bruton, our one-of-a-kind, little businesses still need high speed broadband in order to be able to diversify and compete with the impersonal big-box retailers whom, if you call with a query, put you on hold before transferring you 50 times to a customer service individual who’s so far removed from your particular query, they couldn’t give a toss if the company loses you as a customer! Something which won’t happen with a face-to-face, bricks-andmortar business owner!

Time to get the girls out for mammo number 5!

Ava and Brianna Curran pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

The window envelope marked ‘strictly private and confidential’ appeared last week containing the dreaded BreastCheck reminder that the girls are due their now routine mammogram. Now, while there’s been a lack of candour around some national screening programmes, (the CervicalCheck scandal still rages on), readers may know that BreastCheck, (the longest running free screening programme in the country), did finally reveal last May that reviews and re-checks of mammograms were being carried out. This could be worrying; especially if

a review reveals errors were made in analysing mammograms, etc. However, like most women, I’m aware there are limitations to screening, and a certain failure rate is inevitable; so with that in mind, I’d urge you all not to fall prey to the scaremongering and to please attend your appointments – even if it’s only to see how incredibly flat your boobs can go! Seriously… stop the eye-rolling; I’m only tryin’ to inject some humour and normalise the process for ladies who, like me, may be unenthusiastic about having the twins handled, and then squashed

between two metal plates by a complete stranger with freezing hands! Furthermore, even though a system of open disclosure ensuring women whose tests are reviewed will not be in place until 2019, I will definitely not be missing my mammo because, to their credit, BreastCheck is a great service, and has identified thousands of cancers through this screening process… meaning it does work! I will add that, like all screening programmes, BreastCheck are morally obliged to let individual women know if errors have been made.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

WeekendPeople

Hamrock’s Jazz Session at PJ’s

Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 8th December:

Frank Nelson

PJ’s

of Castlecoote PJ’s of Castlecoote will play host to its annual Jazz Session this Saturday, December 8th. The Creole Jazz Band will provide the music for what promises to be another wonderful ses-

sion in the heart of picturesque Castlecoote. Meanwhile, Santa Claus will be in town the following Saturday (December 16th) so look out for Mr. Claus, who will be drop-

ping into PJ’s on his sleigh at 6 pm. For more information and to keep up to date with events at PJ’s of Castlecoote, check out our Facebook page.

CASTLECOOTE, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: (090) 66 63066

Telephone: 090 6626225 Friday 7th December:

DJ PabloB

Come to PJ’s for the annual

JAZZ SESSION

Saturday 8th December:

on Saturday, 8th December With

DONNA DUNNE & PHILIP DOYLE

CREOLE JAZZ BAND Look out for Santa arriving on his sleigh at PJ’s on Saturday,15th December at 6pm Follow us on facebook

Sunday 9th December:

Cheers! Mary Gleeson and Helen Earley pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

‘LADY BETTY’

IN SESSION FEATURING PATRICIA LANE, BRENDAN EMMETT, GERRY GRENNAN AND ANTHONY MCDERMOT

Faces & Places JJ Harlow’s

6PM IN THE MIDDLE BAR

Photographs: Michelle Hughes Walsh Pictured in the new marquee at JJ Harlow’s last Friday night were Carla Skelly and Sarah McDermott.

Pictured in the new marquee at JJ Harlow’s last Friday night were Alan Coyne and Paddy Smyth.

* No Cover Charge, all gigs are at 10pm approx unless stated otherwise * Search for us on facebook: JJ-Harlows - The- Square-Roscommon-Town

BEER OF THE WEEK! Galway Hooker Honey Beer Clear deep amber-red colour. Smells bitter and malty, notes of toasted bread and honey. Good carbonation which brings up the body. Bready malt body throughout, honey lends a touch of golden sweetness and clover-like notes. Bitter finish that lingers. Balanced and a bit nutty and grainy. Would be a good autumn beer. ABV 5.3%

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries i Pictured in the new marquee at JJ Harlow’s last Friday night were Alice Sesiuk, Gavin Butler and Michelle Connelly.

Pictured in the new marquee at JJ Harlow’s last Friday night were Dumea Mirela, Marco Turrin and Alba De Luna Sevilla.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

WeekendPeople

Theresa Cunniffe and Mary Sheridan pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.

Faces & Places

Mary McDermott and Ann Ward pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.

Amy Coles and Joanna Fenney pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.

At The Addams Family St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle Photographs: Mick McCormack

Max Smyth, Freya Smyth and Aethel Kearney at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Brendan Kennedy, Barbara Dowling and Tally Flynn pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Pics: Mick McCormack

Marie Lavin, Tony Conboy and Jonathan Wynne pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.

Josephine Beirne and Geraldine Beirne pictured at Boyle Musical Society’s production of The Addams Family in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

WeekendPeople

The Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer`s committee pictured with special guest, Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham at a coffee morning in Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday. Pictured are (l-r): Anthony Cunningham, Helen Earley, May Finn, Mairead Nally (chairperson) Mike Bracken, Linda Madden, Danny Neary, Mags Keane, Kevin Sexton, Edel Beisty, Martina Hanley and Ann Flynn.

s e c a l P & s e c FaRoscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning Roscommon Golf Club Pics: Mick McCormack

Senator Maura Hopkins and Paul Beisty pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

Vincent and Annie Timothy pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday. Martina Hanley, Lisa O’Brien and Dympna O’Brien pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday..

Linda Madden, Bernadette Curran, Margaret Mulhern and Edel Beisty pictured at the Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

Roscommon branch Western Alzheimer’s chairperson, Mairead Nally, Ann Flynn and Catherina O’Brien pictured at the Roscommon Western Alzheimer’s coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Business Bernie chosen to spread Credit Union message in Sierra Leone Aisling and Liam Stephens of Klassic Cleaners in Roscommon town recently completed the Dublin City Marathon to raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society. They are very thankful to their many sponsors. Pictured is Lorraine Gallagher, area community fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society, accepting a cheque for €2,040 from Aisling and Liam Stephens.

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Bernie Moran of Roscommon Credit Union is one of just two Credit Union Managers nationwide chosen to travel to Sierra Leone in January to deliver training workshops to locals. The ILCU International Development Foundation Limited (ILCU Foundation) is the charitable arm of the Irish credit union movement. In 1980, Irish credit unions pooled their resources together to establish the ILCU Foundation which would allow them provide support to developing countries as a means to addressing poverty. Ms. Moran, Manager of Roscommon Credit Union, will travel to Sierra Leone with two other credit union representatives – Ted O’Sullivan

from Douglas Credit Union and Barry Treacy, Manager of Youghal Credit Union. They will deliver workshops and training sessions with credit union staff and boards to help empower them with new skills and enhance the current skills to make their credit unions function with more efficiency. Over a two-week period the Irish delegation will visit a number of credit unions around a 200-mile radius of Freetown, Sierra Leone. By sharing the experience and knowledge from the Irish credit union movement, the ILCU foundation are working to provide support to develop and strengthen credit union movements in some of the poorest countries in the world. The ILCU Foundation

helps grassroot credit unions through providing training to credit union staff and Board members on governance, financial management and accounting. They also provide financial literacy training to members of credit unions and women in rural communities to help them better understand the importance of saving money and borrowing money to improve their livelihoods. Sierra Leone has survived a civil war, while an Ebola crisis wiped out entire generations. The ILCUF have been supporting CU development there since 2012. Bernie Moran told the Roscommon People: “I am really looking forward to seeing

Members of the ILCU International Development Foundation Limited pictured with Bernie Moran (front right), the Manager of Roscommon Credit Union.

how credit unions are operated in Africa and in particular in Sierra Leone. It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to impart knowledge learned on the ground in Roscommon town and surrounds to the benefit

of people in developing countries”. Bernie is going with the permission of Roscommon Credit Union’s Board of Directors, who are acutely aware of the need to assist developing countries.

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Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring TD, pictured after opening Ireland West Airport’s new Visitor Discovery Centre with from left to right, Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise, Roscommon; Eimear Dowd, Tourism Officer, Roscommon County Council; Peter Hynes, CEO, Mayo County Council; Airport Managing Director Joe Gilmore; Airport Board Chairman, Arthur French, and CEO, Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins. Picture: Henry Wills.

New Visitor Centre opens at Ireland West Airport Last Friday Ireland West Airport celebrated the official opening of the new state-of-theart Visitor Centre and the launch of Ryanair’s new service to Cologne. Under the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) initiative programme with Minister Michael Ring and the Department of Rural & Community Development the construction of this Visitor Discovery Centre was completed in early November. The project was a collaboration with seven local authority partners in Donegal, Galway City,

Galway County, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, and the Western Development Commission. The new Centre will feature information on attractions, activities, events and visitor experiences from across the region and present opportunities for local suppliers to showcase local crafts, food tastings and also facilitate musical performances from local musicians throughout the year. Speaking at the official opening Minister Michael Ring, TD, said: “This is a great day

for the West of Ireland with the opening of a magnificent new state-of-the-art Tourist Visitor Centre at the airport”. Ryanair are officially launching their new twice weekly service to Cologne which starts on the 1st of June 2019 and which will see Ryanair offer services to 13 destinations across the UK and Europe carrying over 600,000 passengers through the airport in 2019. Last week Ryanair welcomed its 8 millionth passenger on flights to/from the airport since their inaugural flight in 1986.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

FarmingPeople

Farm Safety, Insurance & Rural Crime meeting St. Joseph’s Hall Boyle Monday 10th December 2018 at 8pm

David Aughmuty (second from left) with judges Aidan Murray, Teagasc, Adam Woods, Irish Farmers’ Journal, Damien Murray, Bord Bia, and David’s son Giles Aughmuty. The Aughmutys have been shortlisted in the ‘Weanling store to beef’ category in the Bord Bia Origin Green Farmer Awards.

Teagasc, An Garda Siochána & FBD are holding a meeting on Farm Safety, Farm Insurance and Rural Crime

Roscommon farmers up for Bord Bia award Michael Gunn from Strokestown has been shortlisted for Bord Bia’s Origin Green Farmer Award. The biennial awards recognise and reward the exceptional performance being achieved by members of its Sustainability Quality Assurance schemes for beef, horticulture and dairy. Michael, who supplies Aurivo co-op, has been nominated in the ‘Large Herd’ category at the awards. He is assisted in farm operations by his wife Miriam and his par-

ents Kevin and Eileen. The Gunns join David Aughmuty and his family from Ballygalda on the 39-strong shortlist in meeting high standards around hygiene, farm safety, traceability, animal welfare, remedy use and commitment to their locality. David has been nominated in the ‘Weanling store to beef’ category at the awards. David, along with his son Giles, runs a mixed beef, sheep and tillage farm just outside Roscommon town. The overall category win-

ners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Heritage Hotel,

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

TOM ROGERS

JOHN GREENE

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed

BALLINASLOE

Daily collection

Tom Kellegher Regional Manager Roscommon/Longford

Phone Teagasc Castlerea 094 9620160 for more details

Killenard, Co. Laois on Wednesday, December 12th.

www.teagasc.ie

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Roscommon People MART WATCH Roscommon Mart sample prices Dry cows Lim X 825kgs €1485, Lim X 790kgs €1475, Lim X 770kgs €1325, Char X 650kgs €1265, Simm X 745kgs €1075, Hex 635kgs €1075, Lim X 585kgs €950, BBX 660kgs €1070, PTX 670kgs €1200.

Bullocks

300kgs €875 - €2.91 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €850 - €2.53 per kilo, Lim 270kgs €755kgs - €2.79 per kilo, BBX 290kgs €700 - €2.41 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €680 - €2.56 per kilo, Char X 200kgs €630 - €3.15 per kilo, Char X 255kgs €640 - €2.50 per kilo.

Weanling bulls

Char X 695kgs €1570, 2 Char X 722kgs €1545, Simm X 690kgs €1525, AAX 745kgs €1500, 2 Char X 627kgs €1420, 2 Char X 582kgs €1380, Lim X 550kgs €1360, Char X 520kgs €1345, BAX 505kgs €1260, Char X 520kgs €1345, 2 Char X 465kgs €1250, AAX 535kgs €1130, Lim X 420kgs €1045, Lim X 360kgs €1000.

Char X 340kgs €1190 - €3.50 per kilo, Char X 440kgs €1100 - €2.50 per kilo, Char X 420kgs €1040 - €2.47 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €955 - €2.72 per kilo, Char X 335kgs 905 - €2.70 per kilo, 2 Char X 305kgs €950 €3.11 per kilo, BBX 320kgs €900 - €2.81 per kilo, 2 Lim X 315kgs €790 - €2.50 per kilo, Char X 280kgs €865 - €3.09 per kilo. AAX 320kgs €750 - €2.34 per kilo.

Heifers

Finished lambs

Lim X 600kgs €1240, Lim X 595kgs €1240, Lim 505kgs €1130, 2 Lim X 472kgs €1100, Char X 430kgs €1055, Lim X 465kgs €950, Char X 450kgs €925, Char X 485kgs €1030. Kevin, Michael and Miriam Gunn from Strokestown have been shortlisted in the ‘Large Herd’ category in the Bord Bia Origin Green Farmer Awards.

All farmers are welcome

Weanling heifers Lim X 365kgs €1010 – 2.76 per kilo, Lim 350kgs €1005 – €2.87 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1000 - €3.12 per kilo, Char X

62kgs €115, 53.2kgs €114, 59 kgs 113, 52.4 kgs €113, 53 kgs €113, 57.7kgs €113, 56.9kgs €113, 51.5kgs €112.50, 49.4kgs €112, 51kgs €108.50, 48.6kgs €106.

Store lambs 38.9kgs €93.50, 41.5kgs €90, 39.9kgs €87, 40kgs €87, 41kgs €84, 35.7kgs €73.

Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “Numbers of stock presented for sale are starting to fall, with fewer numbers on offer in all categories of stock this past week. Trade has remained strong for the quality lots presented with the exception of dry cows, which have noticed a slip in prices in recent weeks. “The heifer trade and weanling rings reported good clearances with good prices reported for the quality lots, while breeding stock and runners reported good demand. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,140 to €1,500 per head. Springer cows made from €980 to €1,300 per head. There were smaller numbers of calves/runners with prices ranging from €250 to €715. “In last Monday’s bullock sale (25th), there were 200 bullocks on offer with better quality cattle presented. Demand was similar to previous weeks with a good clearance taking place. “Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on today (Thursday, December 6th) with our usual sale of heifers, cows, salves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am”.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There was a good entry of stock on offer again this week with a lively trade for bullocks and good demand resulting in a good clearance of lots. Prices for bullocks ranged from €2.20 per kilo up to €2.88 per kilo. Prices for heifers averaged from €1.97 per kilo up to €2.45 per kilo. There were big numbers of dry cows on offer with all lots sold. Prices averaged from €1.41 per kilo up to €1.95 per kilo. “This Friday (7th), the mart will host Christmas Cracker special sales for bullocks and heifers with 25 pens of bullocks and 40 pens of heifers as well as dry cows on offer. “Numbers were slightly down at Tuesday’s weanling and suckler sale. Prices for heifers ranged from €2.34 per kilo up to €3.15 per kilo. There was a firm trade for weanling bulls with prices averaging from €2.39 per kilo to €3.50 per kilo. Cows and calves made up to €2,400. There will be a sale of weanlings next Tuesday (11th) at 5 pm and bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm today (6th). “There were similar numbers on offer this week. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €115 for 62kgs. Store lambs fetched up to €93.50. There was an improvement in trade for cast ewes from the previous week with prices ranging from €40 up to €126. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes”.

Castlerea Mart sample prices Heifers Ch 420kgs €1040, SimX 390kgs €970, Lim 425kgs €1250, Lim 490kgs €1300, Ch 460kgs €1150, Sim 705kgs €1435, Lim 540kgs €1315, Lim 460kgs €1440.

Dry cows Chx 790kgs €1720, Ch 640kgs €1205, BBX 760kgs €1245, Lim 710kgs €950, Lim 670kgs €925.

Weanling bulls ChX 290kgs €815, Ch 230kgs

€675, Lim 290kgs €720, Ch 465kgs €1095, Ch 405kgs €1000, Ch 325kgs €900.

Weanling heifers ChX 285kgs €960, LimX 270kgs €780, Lim 250kgs €755, LimX 335kgs €890 AA 300kgs €800.

Bullocks Lim 460kgs €1125, Ch 420kgs €1050, Lim 520kgs €1370, Lim 525kgs €1155, Ch 570kgs €1420, Ch 630kgs €1425, Ch 750kgs €1500, AA 615kgs €1355.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

FarmingPeople

(Proudly serving farmers for over 59 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Each Friday at 11 a.m. ------------------------------------

Christmas Cracker Special Sale Bullocks & Heifers Friday, December 7th at 11 a.m. 25 pens of Bullocks and 40 pens of Heifers on offer Also Dry Cows ------------------------------------

Friday, December 14th at 11 a.m.

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows (Final Sale for 2018) Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 6th ------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 11th at 5 p.m.

Weanlings & Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 6th ------------------------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ------------------------------------

Wednesday, December 12th at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 20 Texel X Ewes - 2nd & 3rd Crop in lamb to Suffolk Ram due End of Jan/Mid Feb ------------------------------------

Friday, December 7th

West Region Texel Show & Sale of in - lamb Ewes Show at 6 p.m. Sale at 7 p.m. over 40 in lamb Hoggets & Maiden Ewe Lambs on offer ------------------------------------

Friday December 7th at 8 p.m.

Liscullane Charollais Sale of Pedigree Registered in Lamb Ewes consisting of 22 Hoggets & 11 2nd Crop Ewes A.I’d to top Sires. Scanned in-lamb. Due Jan 1st Enquiries Eamonn Quinlivan 087-6493472

Pictured at Roscommon Mart on Tuesday morning last were Tommy Brannelly, Maura Quigley, Gordon Pennick, Fr. Pravin Dhason, Pat Carton and John Watson presenting a cheque for €2,700 to Bóthar. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Heifers leave Roscommon …bound for Rwanda 19 in-calf heifers left Roscommon Mart on Tuesday morning bound for Rwanda. The heifers were donated to Irish aid charity Bóthar by families across Co. Roscommon. Spokesperson for Roscommon IFA Supporting Bóthar, John Watson, said the group believes in the good work that Bóthar is doing to held poor farming families. “The sheer generosity from everyone involved from when we fund-raise and when we ask them to take a maiden heifer, rear her and put her in-calf is wonderful. “It’s great to see the pride

they take in looking after that heifer, not to mention the generosity of the vets and the AI men who give their time for free, and the marts and the DVO who give tremendous support. “I think the most special time is when everyone gathers at the mart to see their heifer blessed by Fr. Pravin Dhason. It’s a big affair and great to have the local newspaper here. It’s a chance to thank everyone for their hard work and support. “As the heifers were loaded onto PJ Doyle’s lorry, you might see an odd tear being shed, and that’s normal, because these ani-

mals have been cared for so well. Those that have reared them will miss them dearly,” he said. Roscommon Mart Manager Maura Quigley along with local farmer Pat Carton and singer Tommy Fleming recently travelled with Bóthar to meet recipients of the heifers and said the families were extremely grateful for the donations. It was another successful drive for the Roscommon IFA Supporting Bóthar while Roscommon Mart also donated a cheque for €2,700. This year’s heifers are expected to arrive at their new homes on Christmas Day.

Pictured at Roscommon Mart on Tuesday morning were sisters Ella and Madeline Rogerson who were saying goodbye to their heifer who was bound for Rwanda as part of Bóthar’s annual donation. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

------------------------------------

Annual Ladies Night Monday December 10th at 8 p.m. (Mart Canteen) Flower arranging by Anne Harlow, Signature Flowers Women’s Health & Wellbeing by Martina Geraghty, Molloys Pharmacy Roscommon, Up Cycling by Catia, Rummage, Castle Street, Roscommon Skincare by Catherine Geraghty, Director of Simone Mahler Dermo-Cosmetics, Also Display of Knitting by Angie Grehan Free Admission - Raffle on the Night - proceeds to Diabetes Ireland ------------------------------------

Full details of all our sales on our Website and Facebook pages

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 See link on our Facebook page or website Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Find us on facebook

Pictured at Roscommon Mart on Tuesday morning last were members of the Roscommon IFA Supporting Bóthar group: Michael Corcoran, Tom Ames, Ned O’Connor and Brian Finneran. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople

Participants pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

FUN RUN/ WALK IN LECARROW

Anna Kinahan and Rachel Irwin pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow. Pics: Mick McCormack

Sorcha Miley, Phil Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Laoide, Paula Miley and Elena Lozano pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Tara, Evanna and Orla McLoughlin pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Pam Murphy and Mary Pidgeon pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

2 David Diffley and Bernie Reddington pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow. Annette Keenan, Gerry Keenan and John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Carroll pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Padraig, Dolores and Laura McHugh pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Liz Gavin, Martina Connell, David Dolan, Teresa Henson and Charles Adjei pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Vega Rodrigues, Tracey and Isobel Staunton and Marian Donoghue pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Anna Kinahan, Saskia Donnelly and Rachel Irwin pictured at a Fun Run/Walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association in Lecarrow.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

NewsPeople

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Yvonne King, Miriam Coyle, Sandra Mulhern, Ann Marie Grealy, Mary Mellett, Cllr. Orla Leyden, Goretti Dwyer, Anna Fitzmaurice, Una Keane and Suzanne Stroker.

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Geraldine Grealy and Mayo/Roscommon Hospice CEO Martina Jennings. Pics: Mick McCormack

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were members of the local Mayo Roscommon Hospice Support group.

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Ann McDonald and Grace Heffernan.

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Monica Brogan and Joan Healy.

Before hitting the catwalk! Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Sandra Gately, Joan Healy, Jassie McNeela, Sheila McNeela and Mary O’Donovan.

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Ursula O’Donoghue, Sarah Banahan, Caroline Smyth, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Aileen Mulvihill, Marie Crehan and Mary McDermott.

Pictured at a Ladies’ Luncheon in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at the Abbey Hotel recently were Ann McGarry, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and Linda Doyle.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Valuers PRSA no. 001090 NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

FOR SALE AT GLENBALLYTHOMAS, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON

Strong interest in building with planning for eight apartments Hughes & Company are reporting strong interest in a development which they placed on the market in recent weeks. The building, at Castle Street, was originally built as an office block and commercial units, but the vendors have since changed the planning permission to eight apartments.

The building is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas and must appeal to developers and investors in the area. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Final offers invited for Ardnanagh residence Circa 14 acres with an old derelict residence thereon. All of the Lands are of good quality and located only a short distance off the main Tulsk to Frenchpark Road. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

__________________________________________

FOR SALE AT GLENABALLYTHOMAS, TULSK Circa 20 acres of land with excellent road frontage. For further details contact: Legal, Marie Connellan Solicitor, Peter A Connellan & Co. Solicitors, Bawn Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Phone. 071 9633009.

Pat Hughes is now inviting final offers on a three- bedroomed twostorey residence (in need of total modernisation) which is located at Ardnanagh, Roscommon. The residence stands on a large site which is suitable for further development, subject to planning permission being granted. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

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NEW TO THE MARKET – LANDS TO LEASE FOR 6 YEARS CURRAGHBOY, ROSCOMMON Circa 45 acres at Curraghboy, Roscommon in one lot, newly re-seeded and fenced with mains electricity. Excellent handling facilities. The lands are situated in one lot. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Ten acres with great potential At Ballinagard Road, Roscommon, Hughes & Company (Abbey Street, Roscommon) are offering for sale circa 10 acres with a four-bay hayshed. The lands are located less than two miles from Roscommon Town and would have excellent development potential subject to planning permission being granted. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Padraig Mulheir

Atttractive bungalow in showhouse condition Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to offer for sale this attractive three-bedroomed bungalow on c. 0.5 acres on the outskirts of Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon. The property is in showhouse condition internally and is ready to move into without any decorative works being required. There are cast-iron gates to the entrance with gravel driveway which extends to the rear (also kerbed). The lawns are manicured with laurel hedging to both rear and sides of the property. At the rear there is a large shed/garage (56’ x 23’) sitting on a concrete base with full electrics installed. Accommodation includes entrance porch, reception hallway with door off to living/dining room with large solid fuel stove which heats hot water and radiators, kitchen at rear overlooking the lawned gardens with rear door access, and three bedrooms in all. Bedroom two has double French doors leading to the gardens and has an ensuite bathroom. Main bathroom off rear hallway. There are many pleasing features to this

AUCTIONEER & VALUER LIVESTOCK SALESPERSON

property including wooden flooring in all bedrooms and hallway, two bathrooms, high standard of tiling, septic tank and mains water. The location is in a much sought-after area approximately 2.5 km from Lanesboro on the renowned River Shannon and approximately 12 km from Roscommon Town and all its amenities. This is an ideal family home or first-time buyer’s dream. For further information, brochure, pictures and maps contact the office on 090-6663700 or info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie. Viewings strictly by appointment and can be arranged for evenings, weekends and bank holidays by prior arrangement.

Bargain of the Week – in Cloonfad Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to offer to the market this threebedroomed semidetached house in the village of Cloonfad. Located a short walk from St. Patrick’s Church and Cloonfad National School sits the low volume estate of Cnócan Dubh which is a quiet residential estate of 14 houses. Cloonfad is a mere ten-minute drive from the towns of Ballinlough and Ballyhaunis, 30 minutes from Ballaghaderreen, 20 minutes from Castlerea and approx. 30 minutes from Ireland West International Airport. There is also a daily bus service which runs to Galway City many times a day. The property boasts an unusually large corner garden for a house of this type and size and certainly represents a fantastic opportunity for the avid gardener. Accommodation includes entrance hallway with doorway off into the sitting room with open fireplace and two windows overlooking the front of the property and green area of the estate. The kitchen/dining room has fully fitted units and built-in appliances with large window overlooking the rear gardens. Utility room off with indoor oil boiler and access to the rear shed and garden. Upstairs there are three double bedrooms, master bedroom ensuite and main bathroom. The attic space can be accessed via folding attic stairs and has ample room for storage. Tarmacadam driveway, side entrance gate, mains water and sewerage. The property is fully painted, cleaned and ready to move into. Viewing is currently much in demand so contact the office to arrange your appointment. Full colour brochure and map available upon request. We are happy to arrange your weekend, evening or holiday viewing by booking on 090-6663700 or email info@ connaughtonauctioneers.ie

Site for sale at The Walk, Roscommon This week Hughes & Company of Abbey Street, Roscommon, are offering for sale at The Walk, Roscommon a circa half-acre site with excellent road frontage. Pat will accept offers in excess of €70,000 for this site. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Ten acres with excellent road frontage – at Beechwood At Beechwood, Kilteevan, Hughes & Company have for sale circa 10 acres with excellent road frontage onto the Lanesboro Road. The lands are located in one block, approximately three miles from Roscommon Town. This would be an ideal opportunity for local farmers to increase their holding or for someone to acquire a compact parcel of land convenient to all local amenities. Pat will accept offers in excess of €50,000. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Milltown, Castleplunkett, Roscommon MOBILE: 087 2585520

LAND FOR SALE

Behy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

11.5 acres at

Nice, compact parcel of land, fronting onto the Main Castlerea to Ballymoe Road. The said lands are suitable for most types of farming. Also suitable for site or commercial use, subject to planning.

Sale of 33 acres imminent?

Enquires to the Auctioneer. Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon.

Pat Hughes has confirmed that Hughes & Co. is at an advanced stage of negotiations on the sale of circa 33.5 acres located on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon. Enquiries can be made to the office on 090-6627003.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

PropertyPeople

Please contact Seamus Carthy for further information at REA Seamus Carthy 090 663 0001

REA Online Auction – 14th December 2018 APT 27 RIVERSIDE, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Second floor two bedroom apartment with vacant possession. Conveniently located in the centre of Castlerea Town. Close to all local amenities, shops, bars, restaurants, bus and train routes. The property was recently refurbished. AMV: €30,000

The property will be sold by REA Online Auction on Friday 14th December 2018. Please contact Seamus Carthy for further information at REA Seamus Carthy 090 663 0001

REA Online Auction – 14th December 2018 9 SPRINGVALE, SLIGO ROAD, TUBBERCURRY, SLIGO, F91 VYR Well presented 2 bedroom first floor apartment situated within the Spring Vale residential estate convenient to all amenities in Tubbercurry. Excellent opportunity and will be of interest to both owner occupiers and investors. AMV: €30,000

The property will be sold by REA Online Auction on Friday 14th December 2018. Please contact Seamus Carthy at REA Seamus Carthy 090 663 0001

Public Auction – Preliminary Notice

NE W MA TO RK TH ET E

The property will be sold by REA Online Auction on Friday 14th December 2018.

REA Seamus Carthy are offering this prime commercial property for sale by REA Online Auction. Do not miss this opportunity! On the market on the day is the Cornice Shop, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon. This commercial/residential property is centrally located at Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town. The property comprises ground floor retail with a two-bedroomed apartment overhead. This property provides an exciting opportunity for either an owner-occupier or an investor, as the 1st floor apartment is let under a short-term agreement and

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.

subject to a rent of €550 per month. This property has the benefit of a large yard with vehicular access which is a distinct advantage and

David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week pleased to advise that he sold a primely located three-bedroomed

terraced residence located at Church Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for a very satisfactory price. Solicitors with carriage of sale were Messrs. Callan

SOLD

3 bedroom detached bungalow on c. 25 acres of agricultural land, available in separate lots as follows; Lot 1 - €72,000 Lot 2 - €2,500 Lot 3 - €6,000 Lot 4 - €700 Lot 5 - €24,000 Lot 6 - €60,000 . The property will be sold by Public Auction Please contact Seamus Carthy at REA Seamus Carthy 090 663 0001

The subject land comprises 3.3 acres of agricultural land situated in a sought after residential location in Kiltoom. Kiltoom is a scenic location overlooking Lough Ree. It is conveniently located 10 minutes from Athlone and 20 minutes from Roscommon Town. AMV: €27000

The property will be sold by Public Auction on 12th December, 2018 at The Strand Hotel, Limerick Please contact Seamus Carthy at REA Seamus Carthy 090 663 0001

REA Seamus Carthy have experienced a surge in residential sales in various locations and in close proximity to Roscommon Town. We currently have a high volume of clients seeking all types of properties. Please contact Seamus Carthy confidentially if you are considering selling

ROSCOMMON TOWN T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie

9 GARRAN ARD, THE WALK ROAD, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Property Partners Earley’s Sale of the Week

KEYFIELD, BALLINLOUGH, CO. ROSCOMMON

For Sale by Public Auction 3.33 Acres at CARROWMURRAGH, KILTOOM, CO. ROSCOMMON

rare in this location. The property will go for sale by REA Online Auction on Friday, 14th of December 2018. Asking price is €100,000.

A SUBSTANTIAL 8 B/R DORMER STYLE RESIDENCE A stunning and substantial 8 B/R (all en-suite) detached dormer style residence finished to the highest of standards throughout. This imposing property stands on a beautifully mature and elevated site area of approx. 2.37 acres with unobstructed views of the rolling green countryside to the front. Offering approx. 3,121 sq.ft of spacious living accommodation throughout, this fine property is ideally positioned to operate as a guest house or indeed as a substantial family residence. The auctioneers highly recommend viewings and all offers are invited for immediate sale. BER: C1.

Church Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Tansey & Co, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. David commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

Attention local house owners – properties wanted! Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week seeking houses in Roscommon town for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. John Earley (FIPAV) commented: “We have experienced a very busy period of house sales over the past number of weeks with a large volume of residential properties being sold or reaching sale agreed status”. If you have a house to put on the market and to avail of the strong interest and demand, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV)

or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon

on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners. ie.

Wanted: land to let! Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising that they require farms of all sizes in all areas for the forthcoming letting season. John Earley commented: “We have an extensive client base and substantial pre-enquiries for the forthcoming letting season and consequently we require farms of all sizes to meet demand for both short and long term lettings. We offer a free consultation service and we welcome all enquiries”. To avail of a free consultation, please contact one of the professional team at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie, or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

A IN L OF VI FE TE R D S

A commercial/ residential property at Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town. The property comprises ground floor retail with a two bedroomed apartment overhead. The property has the benefit of a large yard with vehicular access which is a distinct advantage. AMV: €100,00

“CAIRN HOUSE, CURRY, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON.

FIN

THE CORNICE SHOP, LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

EARLEY

A QUALITY 4 B/R SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCE An attractive residence located in a much sought after development on The Walk road adjacent to Roscommon town and all amenities. The said property is finished to an extremely high standard and has the benefit of a select location minutes from the town centre. The said property would suit owner occupier or investor alike due its quality & location and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers to sell. BER: C1.

7 ARD RI, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

NE W MA TO RK TH ET E

REA Online Auction – 14th December 2018

Prime commercial property for online auction

PROPERTY PARTNERS

A PRIMELY LOCATED 3 B/R END OF TERRACE TWO STOREY PROPERTY OF APPROX 1,018 SQ.FT An end of terrace front residence finished to a very high standard throughout located in the established Ard Ri development. The property boasts spacious living accommodation throughout over 2 floors with a spacious rear garden and unrivalled location beside Roscommon town. The auctioneer invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: C3. Price Guide: €149,500 ono to sell.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie of Professional ipav Institute Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Auctioneer & Valuers Fax: (090) 6625405 PSRA Licence No. 001481

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Wednesday 1pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon

Tel: 01 4538988 or 091 767777

BLOCK AND BRICKLAYING

SEAN NAUGHTON Ballinaheglish

BRICK + BLOCKLAYING Call Sean on

087 2421552 BOUNCING CASTLES

Party Pat’s Bouncing Castles 087 7859960 • Castles • Slides • Obstacle Courses Good rates available Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

CARPENTRY

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPODIST

CARPENTRY

Honest, reliable Carpenter available for roofing and first fix work. New houses and extensions catered for also slating + PVC/Fascia/Soffit Painting & Decorating + house clearances Contact: 087 2798704 ALL WORK GUARENTEED

COUNSELLING COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life. Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work, have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you Please call Glynis on

085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

Complete Chimney Services

St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

085 1503353 086 8538404 Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Provided in the comfort of your own home

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring

Kathleen Wynne

CHIMNEY CLEANING

MCFHP, MAFHP

RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

Foot Care Practitioner

Excellent pass rates

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

CAR - 12 EDT LESSONS CAR & TRAILER (B&E) TRUCKS - RIGID, ARTIC & CPC

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

087 2798704

CHIMNEY CLEANING CHIMNEY CLEANING POWER SWEPT No Mess Reasonable Charge ALSO AVAILABLE FOR POWER WASHING

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

CAREER ADVICE CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

Grace O’Reilly B.Sc. Psych., B.Comm., H.Dip. in Ed., MBPS & PSI Registered Occupational Psychometrician Assistance with: • Interview Preparation • CAO & UCAS Course Application • Subject & Course Choice • Study Skills / Exam Preparation

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6630760

Email: grace@finbaroreilly.ie Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly

Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

PODIATRIST For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

FARMING

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

094 96 20099

Tel: 086 2387528

086 8936012

www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Department of Health Approved Every Monday Tully’s Total Health Pharmacy Main Street, Castlerea

Telephone: Mobile: This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233

 A B AT TO I R S E R V I C E AVA I L A B L E : Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364 FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD For all your fencing needs. Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

● ●

●

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

Tel: 087 2172281

FOR SALE CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Tel. (094) 98 80281 Mob. (087) 2031909 Website: www.dockerydriving.ie RSA Approved Driving Instructor

MARQUEE HIRE

Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

COUNSELLING COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY Are you effected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

 FOR SALE: Household furniture, corner TV unit, pine wardrobe, chest of drawers, hall table, 2 hall mirrors, oak dining table + 6 chairs, ceramic hob. Tel: 087 9010636

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

NO FIX NO FEE PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie p

COTTAGE MARKET  THE COTTAGE MARKET STROKESTOWN: Sunday 9th December, Percy French Hotel, 12pm – 4pm. Cards, gifts, crafts, organic fruit and vegetables. Enquiries tel: 089 9725741

DENTAL Dental Design Studio • Natural Cosmetic Dentures • Palate Free Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Repairs & Re-lines • Express replacement of lost/broken dentures

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE:

090 66 65917 087 228 8780

Manor Marquee Hire Now taking bookings for 2019

20% discount on all bookings before 28th Feb 2019 Selection of marquees and bouncy castles available for any occasion; • Parties • Weddings • Communions/Confirmations • Corporate/Charity Events • Agricultural Shows • Special Occasions • Funerals We also have a selection of tables & chairs, bar facilities and stages. For any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: 087 2829226 Email: manormarquees@ gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Classifieds GARDENING WALTER BEGLEY Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

GARDENING PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

JOE HEALY Tree Services • Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

087 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

087 2721193

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 Firewood For Sale

● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

Over 30 years in business

Appointments with Anne Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday.

GATELY GARDENING

Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

KENNELS LISBROCK BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon • Spacious Kennels provided • Spacious exercise areas outside • Short Term - Long Term boarding welcomed • Dogs walked on request.

For further details contact Mary 087 6162191 or Barra 087 9764250 www.lisbrockkennels.ie Members of IBKCA

PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

www.parklawntreeservices.com

HOLISTIC GARDENING SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 REFLEXOLOGY REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) African & Classical Reflexology Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Eczema • Migraine • Back Problems • Infertility • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Insomnia • Stress • Exam Stress • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Colic • Pain Relief • Emotional Disorders - Ante Natal Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

FAMILY CIRCLE

Tel: 087 2721757

FAMILY CIRCLE

www.aobtherapies.com Vouchers available on-line

FIRST PRIZE €50: Maureen Mulhern c/o K Collins SECOND PRIZE €25: Sadie Mulryan c/o RVS THIRD PRIZE €20: Kathleen Hoare 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Kay + Mary c/o K Hoare John + Ann Donlon c/o K Hoare Jim Conlon c/o Mary Mulhern Dermot Nolan c/o K Collins Jim Conlon c/o Mary Mulhern Darragh Mulhern c/o Mary Mulhern Pam + Bernie c/o K Hoare Kay + Rhea c/o K Hoare

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

3/12/18

5 PROMOTERS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Thomas Hoare Sadie Mulryan Joe Hoare Marian Rice Thomas Hoare Total Receipts: €310 Total Prizes: €200

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

 TO RENT: Brand new 3 bed furnished house to rent in Roscommon town. Tel: 086 8198819 after 6pm  TO LET: One bed apartment to let adjacent to hospital on Athlone Road, Roscommon town also room in sharing house. Tel: 087 8048853

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Glebe, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Aurivo Co-operative Society Ltd. intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning Permission for development at the above address, the Development consists of a New Meal Bulk Storage Shed and Replacement of existing roof over existing storage shed. Signed: Waldron & Associates Architects Engineers The Square, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Tel: 094 9372120 Fax : 094 9372911 info@waldrons.ie www.waldrons.ie The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Nicola and Cathal Farrell, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Cloonfower Townland, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a new private dwelling, detached garage, a new entrance, a new proprietary effluent treatment system and polishing filter, and all associated ancillary site works. Signed: Nicola and Cathal Farrell The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS

MORRIS LOHAN Consulting Engineers Castle Street, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 27950 • HOUSE/EXTENSION DESIGN • PLANNING APPLICATIONS • ASSIGNED DESIGN & CERTIFIER ‘New Building Regs’ • BER RATINGS ‘Domestic & Commercial’ • STRUCTURAL & CONDITION SURVEYS • FIRE DESIGN CERTIFICATES

www.morrislohan.ie

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and ancillary site development works at Attirory, Creagh. Signed: Ronan Daly The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Terry Sheridan intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling, decommission existing septic, supply and fit new proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation to EPA Code of Practice at Aghawaracahill, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Irish Forestry Unit Trust (IForUT), intend to apply for permission for; i. The demolition of a derelict dwelling and shed ii. The construction of a forest bell mouth entrance onto the R361 road including all other associated site works. At; Ballindrumlea Td. Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090)6634421 Fax: (090)6634423 E: info@collinsboydeng.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Keith McLoughlin and Mary Garvey intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Coolagarry, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinmore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway P: 090 66 24681 M: 087 635 8949 E: sblake2006@gmail.com This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the planning authority.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information Shane Kelly Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon P18/163 The development applied for consisted of the construction of a proposed extension to the side and rear of an existing dwelling house, together with the renovation of existing house with subsequent changes to all elevations, demolition of existing flat roof extension to rear, existing front porch and existing shed to facilitate the proposed works, connection to existing septic tank currently serving the existing house and all ancillary site development works Signed: Shane Kelly Significant Further Information in relation to this application has been furnished to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to this Significant Further Information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of The Board of Management of St Mary’s Primary School for Planning Permission to demolish the existing timber clad building located to the front of the School and to construct a new Extension to accommodate a GP Room, a Toilet/Shower Room for assisted users and a Classroom with En-suite toilets and all associated site development works (on Site which includes a Protected Structure - A Graveyard, RPS. Ref. No. 02300404 refers) at Lisroyne Td, Strokestown, Co Roscommon. Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of Ben and Becky Duffy for Planning Permission to construct an extension to an existing dwelling house with all associated site development works at Cloonmore Td, Portrunny, Co. Roscommon. Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Morris Lohan Engineers are applying on behalf of the Tighe family to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to retain as constructed dwelling house and garage with proprietary treatment system and associated site development works at Carrigeen, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon, F45 HA29. Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, Ph Office: 090 6627950 Andy 086 3646210 James 087 8228529 info@morrislohan.ie. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

SITUATIONS WANTED

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

P R O F E S S I O N A L HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT AVAILABLE: QQI Level 5 qualification. Available to look after client in own home. Tel: 086 0581152

HUGH KILDUFF CABS Tel: 086 2479829

 LADY AVAILABLE: For all types of housework, cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing etc, North Roscommon area. Tel: 086 4060848

TOMMY GILLIGAN

SOULMATES SOULMATES - DON’T BE ALONE, LOVE IS ALL THERE IS: Find that special person for friendship and romance with like-minded people. Safe, reliable and confidential. Tel: 087 9216302/087 7720250

TABLE QUIZ  TABLE QUIZ: NCBI Table Quiz in JJ Harlows, The Square, Main Street, Roscommon on Thursday, 13th December. Help make a dark day brighter, NCBI working for people with sight loss. Contact Helen on 087 1394380 for registration €5 per person.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Minibus hire.

TUITION

Golf Links Road | Roscommon 090 662 7477 www.servicematters.ie We are currently recruiting for

GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business, Accountancy and Taxation.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS

087 2727888

Would you like to do Accounting or Business as an extra subject? Higher or ordinary levels catered for

JOHN BEATTIE

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849

PHONE:

Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible Call car direct

(086) 2714879

Appointments

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

2018 SEASONED TURF also Peat Bedding Available Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

 FUEL - FIREWOOD: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in bulk bags and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Tel: 086 3312411 after 6pm. WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376  THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag • Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439  FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301

PRODUCTION OPERATIVES & DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS Email CVs to:

recruitment@servicematters.ie USEFUL SERVICES

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 www.appliance-repairs.ie

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752  SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329

PAINTING & DECORATING  PAINTING SERVICES: For all your painting needs, interior and exterior painting. Power washing, gutters and facias cleaned. Telephone Tom: 086 0815802

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477  ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered - No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

CRASH REPAIRS

HOME MAINTENANCE  HOME MAINTENANCE: All aspects covered, plumbing, electrics, carpentry and any household emergency. 24 hour call out. Phone Kieran: 087 7465281 or Jake 085 1002423

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie CLEANING

WINDOWS/DOORS

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

DOOLEY CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

BLINDS

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

GLASS

Boyle Glass

Ballinameen, Boyle, Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass

- STOVE GLASS - Fire Rated Glass Find us on Facebook/boyleglass

TARMACADAM - Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

DRY LINING

DRY LINING ROSCOMMON Attic Insulation Suspended Ceilings ● Metal Stud Partitions ● Plaster Boarding Contact: ●

●

089 4749447 A L L WO R K G UA R E N T E E D

Gerry Monaghan

TARMACADAM CContact: t t GGerry M Monaghan h

SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT HRI SCHEME

Contact us for further information Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T: 090 64 93386 M: 086 8207242 or Darren on 086 8972265

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 uPVC WINDOW AND DOOR PARTS NOW IN STOCK TO SUIT ALL BRANDS • Handles • Hinges • Locks • Letter Boxes • Double Glazed Units supplied and fitted Fully insured

ROSCOMMON WINDOWS RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 090 66 33026

WINDOWS/DOORS

STEPHEN HOARE CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’

New Buildings & Retroﬁt Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

Many different sizes available, all in excellent condition

Visit our Showroom with your sizes you will not be disappointed Saturdays only 9am -1pm

CONTACT 090-6626753 • www.seandoylewindows.ie • info@seandoylewindows.ie

VETERINARY

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Daily collection

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

LARGE STOCK OF MISFIT WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR SALE

M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892

Lowest price guaranteed

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

ESTABLISHED 1978

• Circular Road, Roscommon

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

TEL: (090) 96 88606

INSTALLATION

Sean Doyle & Sons Ltd

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

SELLING A USED CAR? Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!

You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county! An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over

80,000 LOCAL people every week!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

www.ecowise.ie

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES .... THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. I.W. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.F. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. A.H. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE In time of urgent need... St. Expedite you lay in rest, I come to you and ask that this wish be granted (mention your urgent request). St. Expedite now what I ask of you St. Expedite now what I want of you this very second. Don’t waste another day, grant me what I ask for. I know your power, I know your because of your work. I know you can help me do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor so that it can be invoked again and again. Expedite this wish with speed, love, honour and goodness, glory to you St. Expedite. Promise publication when your request is granted also thanks you to St. Jude our blessed Lady and St. Michael, St. Raphael, St. Gabriel and all the angels. M.C. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.C.

SCANLON Mary Anne

DONOGHUE David

Emlaghroyan, Donamon (2nd Anniversary)

Moher, Lanesboro (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Anne, late of Emlaghroyan, Donamon who died on 6th December 2016. R.I.P. Just a prayer from those who love you, Just a memory ever true In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Remembered with love by her son, daughters and extended family. Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church on Saturday, 15th December at 7pm.

PADDEN Michael J. (Jody) Celtic Avenue, Roscommon and formerly of Ballina (19th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 8th December 2016 The moment that you left us Our hearts were split in two One side filled with memories, the other side died with you. We often lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheek. Remembering you is easy We do it everday But missing you is a heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you shall remain You see life has gone on without you but will never be the same.

Loved always Mum and family. ~~~~~~~~~~~

In loving memory of Jody, who died December 2nd 1999. R.I.P. Deep are the memories, Precious they stay No passing years Can take them away.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 22nd December at 10am.

LANNON Frank Racecourse Road, Roscommon Who died on 2nd December 2012 (6th Anniversary)

Sometimes I just look up Smile, And say “I knew that was you”

Loved and very much missed love Jenni, James, Ian and Chloe. Anniversary Mass in Ballyleague Church on Saturday, 8th December at 7pm.

REILLY Paddy Aughmagree, Kilteevan (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Paddy who died on 11th December 2010

Two tired eyes are sleeping Two willing hands are still The one who worked so hard for us Is resting at God’s will.

Special memories keep you near, As time unfolds another year, Each of us in our own way, Have special thoughts of you today. Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say

Lovingly remembered by your wife Francie and family Michael, Mary and Frank. Masses offered.

Loved and remembered always by his wife Phil and family. Mass has been offered.

DONLON Timothy (Timmie) St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Who died on 14th December 2009 (9th Anniversary)

I little knew the day that God was going to call your name. In life I loved you dearly, in death I do the same. It broke my heart to lose you But you didn’t go alone. For part of me went with you The day God called you Home. You left me happy memories. Your love is still my guide, And though I cannot see you You are always at my side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one our chain will link again.

Sadly missed by his wife Elizabeth. ~~~~~~~~~~~ It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God took you Home. If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, we would walk our way to Heaven, and bring you back again. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one could ever fill.

Lovingly remembered by his daughters Regina and Martha. Timmie’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday 7th December at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C.

JUDGE Martin (Matt)

O’CONNOR Gerry

KILLION Jimmy

Runnabracken, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Late of Cyprus Villas and Galway Road, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary 9th December 2017)

(1st Anniversary - 5th December)

In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather Martin (Matt) Judge, Runnabracken, Donamon, Co. Roscommon, who died on 6th December 2010 You were so very special And had the nicest ways You did so very much in life and never asked for praise.

Sadly missed by his daughter Carmel, her partner Andrew and grandchildren Colm and Blake. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Nothing on earth can ever replace The sound of your voice. No verse, no flowers No tears can say How much we miss you everyday.

Always remembered by his daughter Martina, son-in-law Brendan and grandchildren Kevin, David and Caoimhe. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 9th December at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH (1900 Years old) O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power, I may offer my thaksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath., St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. (Say this for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may disire. It has seldom been known to fail.). H.B. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need... Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. L.M.

A day that’s filled with sadness, returns to us today To mark the day you closed you eyes and quietly slipped away. You had a smile for everyone You had a heart of gold You left the sweetest memories, this world could ever hold. A smile can hide our sadness, tears can be wiped away. But the heartache of losing you will never go away. Because you were so special, no words could ever say How much we love and miss you today and everyday. We sent a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings, Be careful how you open it for its full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs To tell you that we miss you and give you all our love.

Loved and never forgotten by his heartbroken parents, daughters, brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncle, nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Saturday, 8th December at 7pm.

LAWLESS Phil (5th Anniversary)

On the First Anniversary of Jimmy’s death, his wife Della, children Gerard, Brendan, Marguerite, Mary G., Tomás, Proinsias and Angela, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and grandchildren would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us during our sad loss. We Hold You Close We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again So rest in peace dear loved one And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won

Jimmy’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Knockcroghery Church on Saturday, 15th December at 7pm.

GATELY (nee Morrissey) Mary Bredagh, Dysart (5th Anniversary)

Remembered with love and affection by John J, John, Margaret, Madonna, sister Delia, grandchildren and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church Dysart, on Sunday, 9th December at 10am.

In loving memory of Phil, whose anniversary occurs on December 5th A smile for all A heart of gold One of the best This world could hold Never selfish, always kind These are the memories you left behind

Remembered with love by all. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday, December 8th at 7pm.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES JOYCE Margaret

COYLE PJ

GERAGHTY Myra

BRENNAN Micheál

Late of Ballymoe, Co. Galway (32nd Anniversary)

Lysterfield, Curraghboy. (11th Anniversary)

Kilmore, Athleague, Roscommon Who died on 6th December 2010 (8th Anniversary)

Mount Mary, Ballygar, Co. Galway Who died on 8th December 2017

In loving memory of our mother, Margaret, who passed away on 4th December 1986 R.I.P.

Who died 3rd December 2007

MAMMY You were so very special and had the nicest ways You did so much for us in life and never asked for praise. Remembering you is easy We do it every day But losing you is the heartache That never goes away. You had a smile for everyone You had a heart of gold You left us beautiful memories That our hearts will always hold. Life goes on that’s true But it’s not the same without you.

Loved always and so sadly missed by her sons Tommy, Mickie, Sean, Stephen and Cyril and by her daughters Maureen, Chrissie, Eileen, Carmel and Sheila, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, extended family and friends. Also remembering our dear brother Paddy, who passed away on 4th July 2012 Ní imithe uainn ach romhainn.

GUNNING Richard Athleague, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversry)

In loving memory of Richard, who died on 8th December 2014 R.I.P. A silent thought A quiet prayer For you, dear Richard In God’s care Deep in our hearts Your memory is kept Too dearly loved To ever forget.

So sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Margaret, daughter Belinda and families. Anniversary Mass in Castlecoote Church on Saturday, 8th December at 11.30am.

Just a prayer from the family who loved you Just a memory fond and true In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you.

Remembered always by his wife Nora and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 9th December at 10am.

Remembering Myra with love and affection Your presence we miss Your memory we treasure.

Forever in our thoughts Bernie and Mike.

MONAGHAN Denis and Mary (3rd and 12th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Denis who died on the 6th December 2006 and Mary who died on the 28th December 2015.

God looked around the garden and saw two empty spaces He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired faces He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God’s garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; For part of us went with you both, the day God called you Home.

On the occasion of the first anniversary of our beloved Micheál’s death, his wife Ita, son Tomás, daughter Kate and extended family would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us and supported us on his passing. Our sincere thanks to those who attended the Reposal, Funeral Mass and Burial. Thanks to all who travelled long distances in adverse road conditions. A sincere thank you to Fr. Breslin and Fr. Pat Hogan for celebrating the Funeral Mass. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Martin Daly and his staff and the staff in Portiuncula Hospital. A special word of thanks to the wonderful Ballygar choir and all who contributed to the music. Thanks to David Moran, the undertaker for your caring professionalism, we deeply appreciate the grave diggers who prepared Micheál’s final resting place in very difficult conditions. Thanks to all our friend and neighbours who supported us during Micheál’s short illness. Sincere gratitude to the friends and colleagues who formed a Guard of Honour at the Church and at the graveyard. As it would be impossible to thank everybody individually, we hope this acknowledgement will be accepted as a sincere thank you and a token of our appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Micheál’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 15th December at 12 o’clock.

MONTH’S MIND HANLEY Michael (Mickey) Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who died on 5th November 2018

Lovingly remembered by their son Denis, daughter-in-law Vera and grandchildren Amy and Shane. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday, 9th December at 10am.

GLEESON James

MULLEN Larry

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Tonlagee, Roscommon 14th Anniversary 12th December 2018 R.I.P.

There’s a face that is always with us, There’s a voice that we long to hear There’s a smile we always remember, Of the one we love so dear.

Loved and remembered by Mam, Dad, Jude and Sinead. xxx Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 7th December at 7pm.

We also fondly remember Padraig, who died on 20th June 1984 R.I.P. They say memories are golden, Maybe that is true But we never wanted memories We only wanted you.

Always loved and remembered by Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Four-Mile-House on Friday, 7th December at 8.15pm.

We the family, wish to express our gratitude to all those who sympathised with us and consoled us on our sad loss. Heartfelt thanks for all the help and kindness received from our relatives and friends. A special thanks to our outstanding neighbours who have been a tremendous support and comfort during this difficult time. Thank you to the Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care team who cared for Mickey with such kindness. A special thanks to Dr. John Keenan who gave Mickey a lifetime of great care. Heartfelt thanks to all Mickey’s wonderful carers. A warm thank you to those who took the time to visit Mickey in his home. Thank you for your friendship, phone calls and Mass bouquets, we appreciated greatly this support. Thank you to Henry Hamrock, Funeral Director for his true professionalism, kindness and care he showed us and to the grave diggers who prepared Mickey’s final resting place, words can not fully express our gratitude. A sincere thank you to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin for a beautiful Mass and for all his kindness and comfort he has shown us over the last number of weeks. Also thank you to Sr. Christina and the choir for the beautiful music. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Mickey’s Month’s Mind will take place a the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Friday, 14th December at 7pm.

KENNY Maureen Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who died on 9th December 2017

On the occasion of the first anniversary of Maureen’s passing, the family and extended family of the late Maureen Kenny wish to express our sincere thanks to everyone who offered their condolences and support on our recent sad loss. We really appreciate those who took time to call to our home, sent Mass Cards, flowers and attended the Funeral services and offered support and help in any way. Our heartfelt thanks to the very special ladies who cared for her at home and made her final years as joyful and comfortable as possible. We shall be forever grateful for their compassion and understanding. We wish to acknowledge the support of Dr. Valerie Morris, Health Centre Roscommon, HSE Public Health Nurses, management and staff of Roscommon and Portiuncla Hospitals and Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon. A sincere thanks to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin who celebrated Requiem Mass and to Sr. Christina for making arrangements and Fr. Byrne, Hospital Chaplin, Roscommon for prayers. Thanks also to our wonderful neighbours, freinds and relatives and in particular to those who cleared snow and ice from graveyard entrance and the grave diggers who worked in very difficult weather conditions to prepare a beautiful last resting place for Maureen. Thanks also to Mass servers, singers, musicians, readers and to the Abbey Hotel for providing the Funeral reception. All your efforts went to give Maureen the farewell she would have wished for. A special thanks to Smyths Funeral Directors who made this difficult time a little easier by taking care of all necessary arrangements and presenting her beautifully for her final journey. It would be impossible to thank everybody personally, so please accept this as a sincere thanks and appreciation of your support and kindness. Masses have been offered for your intentions. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 16th December at 11.30am.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES GILL Joe & May Anratabeg, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

DEMPSEY (nee Kiernan) Sheila

SportExtra

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Laragh, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary) Who died on 13th December 2014

In loving memory of Joe and May Gill who died on the 9th December 2016 and 5th January 1998 A special place within our hearts is set aside for you As long as life and memories last We will love and remember you

Sadly missed by their family. Anniversary Mass in the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Ballyleague on Tuesday, 11th December at 7pm.

BURKE Luke

BOYLE Evelyn (Nana)

Turrock, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Enfield, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 7th December 2015 R.I.P. (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Luke who died on December 16th 2016 A special day, Another year A loving thought, A silent tear. A little prayer To keep in touch, With someone loved And missed so much. Will those who think of him today, A little prayer To Jesus say

Fondly remembered and sadly missed by your wife Sybil, daughter Mary, son Thomas, sister Mary, son-inlaw Aiden, daughter-in-law Anna and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in The Church of The Good Shepard, Four Roads on Sunday, 16th December at 11am.

Softly in the morning, You heard a gentle call, You took the hand God offered you, And quietly left us all. The day you left us Mother, Our hearts just broke in two. The smallest part is still with us The biggest part with you. Look around Your garden Lord, And when she turns and smiles Put Your arms around her And hold her for a while.

When nights are cold and stars are few, I close my eyes and think of you. A silent hope, A silent tear A silent wish that you were here.

Loved forever and missed everyday by her loving husband Tom, daughters Tara, Aoife and Sinead, sons-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Saturday, 8th December at 8pm.

KEANE Margaret Mary & Michael Newtown, Ballymurray, Roscommon

(16th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear wife and mother who died on 17th April 2002

Sadly missed and loved always by her family. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber on Saturday, 19th January 2019 at 8pm.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

(4th Anniversary) In loving memory of Michael who died on 21st September 2014 I fall asleep in the full and certain hope That my slumber shall not be broken; And that though I be all-forgetting, Yet shall I not be forgotten, But continue that life in the thoughts and deeds of those I loved.

Loved and remembered everyday by your son William and sister Liz. Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan, on Sunday, 9th December at 10am.

Ruby Walsh and Quick Grabim lead Commander Of The Fleet in The Royal Bond.

National hunt racing is on at Powerstown Park in Clonmel this afternoon with two chases and five hurdles, first off at 12.05 pm. There is flat action under lights on the allweather track at Dundalk tomorrow evening stalls open for the first at 6 pm. On Saturday, it’s the turn of Proudstown Park outside Navan to host three hurdles, three chases and a bumper starting at 12 pm. Sunday sees two meetings down for decision, at Cork with the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase and two Grade 3 hurdles away at 12.05 pm and at Punchestown starting at 12.20 pm and featuring the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase. The John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown will see Presenting Percy make his seasonal reappearance on Sunday. The Pat Kelly-trained 7-Y-O was last seen winning the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase in March and is one of 19 entries for the 20th running of this Grade 1 contest. Willie Mullins has a seven strong team headed by Bellshill, Kemboy and Un De Sceaux along with Al Boum Photo, Black Hercules, Invitation Only and Min. Gordon Elliott also has seven entries, led by Cheltenham Festival heroine Shattered Love with A Toi Phil, Alpha Des Obeaux, Doctor Phoenix, Don Poli, Outlander and The Storyteller. Tony Martin’s Anibale Fly, Henry de Bromhead’s Balko Des Flos, the Joseph O’Brien’s Edwulf and Noel Meade’s Disko complete the field. Nicky Henderson’s Altior heads 10 entries for the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on Saturday. The 8-Y-O is unbeaten in nine starts over fences and the field includes four Irish trained, WP Mullins’ trio of Un De Sceaux, Min, Great Field and Henry de Bromhead’s Special Tiara. Altior will be very difficult to beat. Dual champion hurdler Buveur D’air proved, as expected, that he had the experience to beat Gordon Elliott’s Samcro and three others in the BetVictor Fighting Fifth Hurdle at nice odds of 11/8 in Newcastle on Saturday. Nicky Henderson’s 7-Y-O gelding, ridden by Barry Geraghty, beat Gigginstown’s Irish raider, a well backed favourite at 6/5, by 8l with Vision De Flos another 13l back in 3rd. Buveur D’air is now

unbeaten in eleven races since Cheltenham Festival 2015. The winner will most likely appear again over the Christmas. On Sunday in Fairyhouse, Apple’s Jade did have it all her own way in the Hatton Grace Hurdle with Jack Kennedy riding her to complete a hattrick of Hatton’s by 20l in a bloodless victory over Supasundae with Limini another 2l away in 3rd. the mare joined Limestone Lad and Solerina as triple winners of this race. The win provided some compensation for Elliott and Gigginstown for Samcro’s defeat on Saturday but also a headache. The big question now is which horse will they aim for the Champion Hurdle in March. In the other two Grade 1 races on the card Quick Grabim won the Royal Bond for WP Mullins and Ruby Walsh and in the Drinmore Chase Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work gave Davy Russell the centre leg of treble winning by ½l and 8l from La Richebourg and Jetz. Russell earlier won the opening Juvenile hurdle on Chief Justice who beat Coeur Sublime by a short head in a ding dong finish, both horses trained by Elliott. Russell completed the treble on the Charles Byrne trained Wonder Laish in the Grade A Handicap Hurdle. The 6-Y-O gelding is owned by Martin White who was manager in the in Roscommon. Elliott got his four timer in the bumper when Jamie Codd, who earlier had a winner at

Ballindenisk point to point, rode Envoi Allen to win the bumper.

General News Jessica Harrington’s Alpha Centauri, winner of 4 Group 1 races, was crowned Horse of the Year at the HRI 2018 awards last Tuesday. The National Hunt Award went to WP Mullins, the flat award to Donnacha O’Brien and the point to point award to Barry O’Neill. Derek O’Connor won the Ride of the Year Award. Among the awards were Rachael Blackmore who is leading the national hunt jockey’s table, Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry who retired this year and Patrick Prendergast trainer of Skitter Scatter.

Point to Point Corner Again, there is no racing on the northern circuit this weekend and there are 3 meetings down for decision on Sunday, at Boulta near Fermoy in Cork with 128 runners off at 12 pm, at Borris House where there are 166 runners and at Tattersalls Farm opposite Fairyhouse race course with 193 entries. Due to the huge entry for both meetings starting time for both has been brought forward to 11 am. Derek O’Connor won Ride of the Year prize at the Horse Racing Ireland Awards for his win aboard expointer Edwulf in the Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup.

Edwulf and Derek O’Connor beats Outlander and Jack Kennedy in the Irish Gold Cup.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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Sports

People

Kingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; royal performance at The Hub

Sean Moran makes a basket during Castlerea Kingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; convincing win over Sligo All Stars at The Hub last Saturday. See page 61. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE MOON ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS

Dooner’s weekend predictions This promises to be the biggest weekend so far in the Roscommon & District Football League this season. In the Premier Division on Friday night, Ballinasloe Town entertain Ballymoe while Boyle Celtic travel to face Castlerea Celtic. In Division Two, second-placed Roscommon United face thirdplaced Castlerea Celtic B in Castlerea on Saturday evening. Elsewhere, Moylough ’79 will be confident of continuing their unbeaten start to the season when they visit Ballinasloe on Saturday.

Friday, December 7th Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division (8 pm) Ballinasloe Town v Ballymoe FC

Creggs RFC Report

The hosts will be heavy favourites. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town Castlerea Celtic v Boyle Celtic A very tough one to call in Castlerea. An entertaining draw? Prediction: Draw

Saturday, December 8th Norio’s Takeaway Division One Ballinasloe Town B v Moylough ’79. 7.45 pm The league leaders should be comfortable winners. Prediction: Moylough ‘79 Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Castlerea Celtic B v Roscommon United. 7.45 pm The head to head could prove vital in this division so the visitors could do with a comfortable win. How-

ever, the hosts will be confident of getting a result following their 4-2 win in the reverse fixture. Prediction: Draw

Sunday, December 9th Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division St. Peter’s FC v Moore United. 11 am The champions will prevail. Prediction: St. Peter’s FC Skyvalley Rovers v Kilkerrin United. 2 pm Kilkerrin could find themselves in the top four if results go their way this weekend. Prediction: Kilkerrin United Norio’s Takeaway Division One St. John’s Athletic v Ballaghaderreen FC. 11 am

St. John’s are capable of winning this one. Prediction: St. John’s Athletic CP Ajax v Dunmore Town. 2 pm The Castleplunkett side will follow up on last weekend’s impressive win over St. John’s Athletic. Prediction: CP Ajax Rahara Rovers v Ahascragh United. 2 pm The hosts should have enough to claim the three points. Prediction: Rahara Rovers Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Skyvalley Rovers B v Shiven Rovers B. 11 am Shiven to win. Prediction: Shiven Rovers B St. Cuan’s United v Manor United. 2 pm The visitors will be confident here. Prediction: Manor United

THE GAIN LINE

Bonus point win in Westport Senior Rugby Connacht Junior 1 League: Westport 7 Creggs Rugby 29. On Saturday night in Westport the elements heralded a low scoring game rather than the winning bonus point win that Creggs finished with. Creggs broke the deadlock after Aidan Leech bounced a would-be tackler in trademark fashion and Westport conceded a penalty on the 22 which Mark Brandon duly converted. The lead was short-lived as the meanest defence in the league conceded a converted try on the stroke of half-time. Creggs regained the lead in the second half when winger Kevin Gavin collected a poor clearance and scored a marvellous solo try between the posts which Brandon converted. The home side began to self-destruct at this point, reduced to 14 men with a sin-bin for stamping, Leech powered his way over between the posts, Brandon converting to make it 17-7. Westport lost a second man to the sin-bin and for a brief period were down to 13 men but Creggs failed to make use of their advantage. Creggs were however in full control at this point and minutes later a sweeping move found Gavin at the end of a textbook floated pass from Shane Dowd to cross for his second try. Minutes later, Eoghan Coyle wrong-footed the defence and touched down between the posts for the bonus point, Shane Dowd adding the conversion to leave the final score 29-7.

Creggs are away to Monivea on Saturday at 2.30 pm and are currently just one behind league leaders Connemara. Creggs’ Development team play league leaders Corinthians in Creggs this Saturday night at 6.30 pm. Meanwhile, Creggs Over-35s are recruiting returning and leisure players for friendly games and a possible tour weekend. Contact Mattie Corcoran, Michael Glennon or Sean Brandon for more information.

Youth Rugby Connacht U-17A League: Creggs 12 Buccaneers 12. Creggs took on local neighbours Buccaneers in Creggs last Sunday morning in the Connacht U-17A League. It was Creggs who got on the scoreboard first when they intercepted a Buccaneers pass in their own half and raced in to score through Jack Deegan. Buccaneers did get in for a try just on the stroke of half-time which they converted to take a 7-5 halftime lead. Aaron Lyons got in for another Creggs try following early pressure in the second half. Mark Purcell converted for a 12-7 lead. Buccaneers forwards were beginning to make yardage and they got in for an equalising try with 12 minutes left. This was a Trojan performance by the Creggs lads in poor conditions. It ranks highly among the best youth rugby defensive efforts seen at the Green, especially with a number of players unavailable for the home side on the day. Creggs

are away this Sunday to Sligo. Connacht U-15 League: Galwegians 22 Creggs 25. Creggs came back from 22-6 down at half-time to win away in Galway last weekend, keeping their opponents scoreless in the second half in the process. Galwegians got in for an early try in the first half although Creggs did rally with two penalties from the boot of DJ Hession. In truth it was first half to forget for Creggs as from four kick-offs, the home side managed to turn them over and go in for four tries. The second half was a different game. The comeback started after only five minutes of the second half when, following great work from Eoin Kelly, Ben Johnson, Michael McAteer and Aidan Hoare, Ciaran Purcell got in for a well taken try. Purcell then went over for a second try to reduce the deficit to four points with twelve minutes remaining. Creggs started to believe the comeback was possible now and after more good work moved the ball wide for Josh Verling to go over in the corner which again Oisin O’Beirne converted to give Creggs a 25-22 lead with four minutes remaining. Creggs defended stoutly for the last few minutes as they held out for valuable points in their pursuit of a semi-final place. Their next game is home to Sligo on Saturday week. Creggs U-13s will travel to play Ballina in the Connacht U-13A League next Saturday at 12 pm. The U-14s will travel to Monivea

next Saturday at 1.30 pm in the Connacht U-14 League. Creggs U-16s will play Monivea RFC next Sunday at 12 pm in Creggs in the Connacht U-16 League. The U-17s will play Sligo away next Sunday at 12 pm in the Connacht U-17A League. Creggs U-18.5s will play Corrib away next Friday night at 7.30 pm in the U-18.5 League. Creggs U-14 Girls friendly match: Galwegians 10 Creggs 55. Creggs girls travelled to Galway last Saturday for a friendly against Galwegians and put in a very encouraging performance scoring nine tries to overcome their opponents. Tries on the day came from Sarah Purcell (4), Jennifer Morris (2), Rachel McDonald, Jean O’Boyle, Eadaoin Walsh, with five conversions from Siofra Hession. It was a very worthwhile game with all the girls getting great game time. Creggs U-14 and U-16 Girls train every Monday evening at 7 pm. New players at U-14 level always welcome. New players at U-16 (born 2003/ 2004) are very welcome to come out and give it a try every Monday night at 7 pm in Creggs. Creggs will enter teams in the Cups at U-14 and U-16 after Christmas. For further details, please contact: Dave Purcell on 089-7000547.

Mini Rugby Creggs will host Carrick RFC this Saturday in a blitz in Creggs with a 10.20 am kick-off.

SOCCER RESULTS Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division Kilkerrin United 3 Cloonfad United 2 Ballymoe FC 1 Shiven Rovers 1 Dysart FC 1 Strokestown United 4 Norio’s Takeaway Division One CP Ajax 4 St. John’s Athletic 2 Cam Celtic 2 Dunmore Town 1 Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Roscommon United 2 Ballymoe FC B 0 (Ballymoe conceded) Shiven Rovers B 1 Cloonfad United B 0 Glen Celtic 1 Castlerea Celtic B 1 New Balance FAI Junior Cup Ballinasloe Town 0 Westport United 1

BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club Buccs win thriller! Buccaneers scored a greatly needed All-Ireland League victory when they defeated City of Armagh 24-17 in a thrilling and compelling Division 1B encounter at Dubarry Park on Saturday. The Athlone side looked to be heading for a comprehensive win when romping to a 24-0 lead inside the opening quarter of this first ever AIL fixture with the Orchard County club. But the gritty visitors refused to capitulate and a strong second half effort secured them a worthy bonus point in a fiercely contested but sporting battle.

U-20s up to second The U-20s moved up to second place in the JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 following their 30-10 win over Greystones at Dubarry Park on Sunday. In a game preluded by heavy rain, the drizzly conditions did not favour the homesters preferred flowing style while the Co. Wicklow side battled willingly throughout.

Away win in Sligo J1’s completed a trio of Pirates victories at the weekend when they overcame Sligo 19-12 in their Connacht Junior 1A League meeting at Hamilton Park, Strandhill, on Sunday. This win made it a double for the midlanders over the north-westerners and Buccs have now leapfrogged Westport into mid-table in the league.

Buccs head to Belvedere Buccaneers face a pair of pre-Christmas crunch All-Ireland League fixtures with clashes against Old Belvedere (away) and Ballymena (home) before the AIL takes its festive break. First up is a trip to Anglesea Road for a joust with Old Belvedere who sport a couple of exBuccs Ben Carty and Daniel Riordan in their backline coached by Steve Crosbie. Crosbie’s duel with fellow Connacht rookie Luke Carty (younger brother of Ben) should add spice to this match!

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

@dan_dooner

Castlerea Kings hoping to reign on court THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner

Seanie McDermott makes a lay-up for Castlerea Kings during their recent Lonleitros League win over Sligo All Stars at The Hub. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Castlerea Kings put on a show last Saturday night in The Hub in what was their final home fixture of 2018. They were convincing 76-46 winners over Sligo All Stars and remain joint top of the Lonleitros Basketball League with some tough trips away to come before Christmas. Player and club secretary, Garbhan Madigan, said the Kings are enjoying another impressive season in what has proven to be a highly competitive league competition.

“The league expanded from five or six teams to nine teams a few years ago and at the moment we have two teams from Co. Roscommon, Boyle and ourselves; two teams from Longford; Sligo All Stars, the Gladiators, two teams from Carrick and Athone IT. “We are joint top with two other teams following seven games and all three teams have five wins and two losses,” he said. Castlerea, like many rural towns, was badly hit by the recession and this has led to players moving away for work. The establishment of new teams in places like Knock has also meant that former Kings have left the roster.

The sporting brief Darts

Holly Tree top for Christmas The Holly Tree will remain top for Christmas following their 9-0 demolition of Three Counties last weekend. Elsewhere, McDermott’s beat An Bóthar Rua 6-3 and David Concannon and Brendan Mullarkey both had 15-darters. Ciaran Hickey had a 14-dart leg during a 5-4 thriller between Flanagan’s and The Hollywood, Flanagan’s just coming out on top. Molly’s were 6-3 winners over Creaton’s with Sean Finan hitting a 14-dart leg. This week sees the final fixtures ahead of the Christmas break: Flanagan’s v Molly’s, An Bóthar

Rua v Creaton’s, The Holly Tree v McDermott’s, The Hollywood Bar v Three Counties.

Golf

Heslin and Kearney dominate We begin in Boyle where Sean Heslin and Tom Kearney have developed a virtual monopoly on 1st and 2nd place in the men’s competitions recently and so it proved again last Sunday. Both had 40 points in the 18hole competition, with Sean just shading it on countback. Paul Connolly came 3rd with 37 points and Patrick Egan had the best gross score. The club’s Christmas Bonanza competition takes place on Sunday, December 16th. This is very

“If you could have some of the players from this area who have moved away you’d have some team! When it comes to players under the age of 25 there are only three of us working in Castlerea at the moment. Some of the lads are travelling from Athlone and places like that which is hard,” Garbhan said. Most of the Castlerea Kings roster would have started with legendary Castlerea Community School coach Joe Henry at the age of six or seven and some would have been introduced to the game through the Community Games in Ballaghaderreen. Former Roscommon senior football captain Seanie McDermott is an important member, as

is Joe’s son Joseph. “We’d be in the gym with Joe on Friday nights when were younger and it was a couple of euro per session. It was great to have somewhere to go during the winter,” says Garbhan. Nowadays, the Kings of Castlerea spend weekend nights travelling to gyms and venues throughout the region in a bid to make the Top Four and seal a place in the cup finals. This Saturday they’re away to Mohill while the following weekend they’ll travel to face the Gladiators. They’ll be hoping to continue their recent good form into the New Year in order to bring even more basketball silverware to the town.

People’s champion of the week much looked forward to every year - partly because every participant gets a prize! So if you haven’t had the joy of walking up to receive a prize in 2018, this might be your last chance (even if it is only a selection box). The overall club AGM was held in the clubhouse last Sunday and the committee for 2019 was elected. The chairman and men’s captain will be Seamus Gallagher and the incoming ladies’ captain is Regina McLoughlin. Best of luck to all for the coming year. To Athlone next, where the men’s 15-hole competition was won by PJ Martin with a great score of 37 points while last week’s Min Hamper was won by David McGowan with another great score of 39 points. Eleanor Larkin, meanwhile, won the recent ladies’ 15-hole

Incoming Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club ladies vice-captain Gabrielle Madsen is presented with the Garvey Cup by lady captain Phil Emmet at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club end of year presentations.

competition with 29 points while Bernie Watson was the winner of the 9-hole competition with 15 points. Nóirín O’Rourke won the 97 Club with 22 points. Last Sunday’s 16-hole Stableford in Roscommon Golf Club was won by Jim Grogan with 35 points while the senior ladies’ competition was won by Kay Ruane. John F Hanley was victorious in the senior men’s competition with 37 points. We finish our round in Carrickon-Shannon where the Christmas Special Alliance will take place on Saturday, December 15th. Elizabeth Muldowney and Dolores Mulvey and Geraldine Conlon have been the recent winners.

Swimming

Successful Gala Coman’s Swimming Club recently enjoyed a successful gala at the recent Ballinasloe Development Meet swimming gala. Emily Ryan took gold in the B category of the Girls U-11 200m Backstroke while Michelle Henry grabbed silver. Ava Clyne won gold in the C category of the same event while Rebecca Gill and Isobel Kenny took silver and bronze respectively. Pierce Fannon took silver in the Boys U-11 200m Backstroke while Theo De Abreu won bronze and achieved B times in both the 200m and 100m. Harry King won gold in the C category. Meanwhile, Alan Kilcommons was second fastest in U-13 200m Backstroke and Robert Tobin claimed gold in the U-13 200 IM. Michael Keaveney took silver in the U-11 C 200m Backstroke, and he also took bronze in the C category of the 100m IM. Eoin Morgan swam superbly and was the fastest swimmer in the IM.

National Community Games Director Gerry McGuinness is pictured presenting People’s Champion of the Week, Omar Jaffar of Ballaghaderreen Community Games, with a National Youth Volunteer Award at the Community Games National Youth Volunteer and Area Awards at the Cavan Crystal Hotel last Saturday.

In the sporting diary .... Christmas darts competition The annual Christmas Singles Competition being played in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday, December 16th. This competition is open to Roscommon League and Youth players only, with a €10 entry fee for adults and €5 entry for youths. Names to be in by 3.30 pm sharp, with the draw at 3.45 pm and games to begin at 4 pm sharp. Prize money will be money in/money out plus €200.

Creggs RFC Committee meeting This Thursday night (6th), the monthly Creggs RFC Committee meeting takes place in the clubhouse at 9 pm. With the new 3G/4G Pitch nearing completion, this is an important meeting. The meeting will be preceded by the fortnightly Finance Committee meeting at and all members of both committees are requested to attend this Thursday night.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Pickford keeps Liverpool in the hunt Now that the club GAA scene is finally dying down (still two league finals to be played this coming weekend) and the fact that a head cold had me indoors on Sunday, it was my first chance of the season to watch some live soccer from the English Premier League. The Arsenal v Spurs game was a cracker and one of the few games I have seen in recent times with a bit of an edge to it. Both sides played some out-

Will forum really help clubs? This weekend the GAA will hold a club forum at Croke Park where the committee headed up by Elphin man Mick Rock will present their findings and listen to the concerns of clubs. This is certainly a welcome development but it didn’t take a whole lot of research to work out what the main problems facing clubs are. In rural areas it’s finance and falling numbers and in urban areas it’s finance and facilities. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this forum. There is a lot of lip service paid to the role of clubs in the GAA over the years but I know that Mick Rock would not be involved if he didn’t think that this venture was worthwhile so hopefully there will be a positive outcome from this initiative. We all know the marvellous work that’s going on in clubs throughout the country in every county village and town. It’s what keeps the association going. What the GAA at national level can do to help clubs out remains to be seen however.

standing stuff at various stages but it was the decision of the Arsenal manager Emery to put an extra striker on the pitch for the second half that won it for the Gunners. He (Emery) is making great strides with Arsenal and given time he will be a success. The second game between Liverpool and Everton was not nearly as exciting but Everton gave as good as they got until the 96th minute when Jordan

Pickford made the kind of goalkeeping error that will be shown for many years to come. Quite what he was thinking of trying to catch that late high ball is anyone’s guess but it was one of the biggest howlers of all time at that level. Liverpool are keeping up their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the table but Klopp’s side have dipped in form in recent weeks which doesn’t augur well for the rest of the season.

Nowhere to hide! Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford blundered late on as Liverpool nicked all three points in last Sunday’s Merseyside Derby at Anfield.

Fury comeback is inspirational! I didn’t get to see the Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder fight last weekend but Fury’s story is a triumph for the human spirit and what is possible. Fury was washed up and a physical and mental wreck after being a world champion several years ago. He was taking drugs, drinking and was suffering from depression. He admits freely that he contemplated suicide on several occasions. But he got his act together and lost over 9 stone in weight and got back into shape and on Saturday night he came within an ace of causing one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. I am not a huge boxing fan but reading Fury’s story is a great tale of what can be achieved and how people can rise from the very bottom. I don’t know if he will get a rematch but surely he deserves one.

Tyson Fury (right) made his boxing comeback with a split draw against world champion Deontay Wilder last Saturday at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

Mick has the luck of the draw The Republic of Ireland will be relieved to have avoided the Netherlands and Germany in last Sunday’s Euro 2020 qualifying draw in Dublin.

The draw for the Euro 2020 finals worked out reasonably well for the Republic of Ireland but I am not so sure that it will be an easy campaign. We all saw what Denmark did to us in that World Cup play-off and Switzerland are certainly no pushovers. I know the bounce of having a new manager will mean that there will be an extra pep in their step but Ireland will still be up against it to qualify. The facts are that we have very few players of real quality and at the end of the day that will be the deciding factor. However, it’s a far more appetising prospect that having to face Holland and Germany!

European club rugby returns this weekend In rugby, Champions and Challenge Cups are back this weekend and it is coming down to the wire in terms of qualification for the knock-out stages. On Friday night, Ulster face a tricky tie away to Scarlets but it’s one that they are capable of winning. On Saturday, Bath will give Leinster plenty to think about but Leo Cullen’s men look unbeatable at the moment and with a host of internationals back on board they should win again. Munster are looking good and improving with every passing week. They have Castres at Thomond Park on Sunday and with Conor Murray back in the fold I expect them to win with a bit to spare. Paddy Jackson will be lining up with Perpignan when they visit Galway to take on Connacht n the Challenge Cup on Saturday at 3 pm. The French side are struggling in the Top 14 at present so anything other than a Connacht win would be a shock. It’s back to club fare now until the Six Nations and Joe Schmidt will be hoping for no more serious injuries.

Kerry and Kilkenny dominate club scene

Could rule changes lead to chaos?

Looking at the club championships in football and hurling at Intermediate and Junior level since those grades were introduced, it is very noticeable the number of provincial and All-Ireland titles that have been won by Kilkenny clubs in hurling and Kerry clubs in football. Last weekend, once again,

I was dismissing the arguments being made by the GPA over the proposed new rules in Gaelic football until I spoke to a number of player and coaches on the radio last week. The proposals will be trialled in the forthcoming National League and for a lot of weaker counties the league is by

Kilkenny won all three grades of provincial titles in Leinster and Kerry teams won all three Munster titles on offer this year. In addition, if you look up the roll of honour for the All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior hurling and football championships, the number of winners from both those counties

are very marked. The best of luck to them, but is it that the standard of club hurling and football is so much higher in this counties or does the format of their championships mean that they have much stronger teams when it comes to the provincial competitions? It is something that could be worth looking into.

far the most important competition they play in and they don’t want a raft of changes in the playing rules to be tried out in their number one competition and I can see their logic. A lot of these counties have no chance of winning a provincial title let alone an All-Ireland title so they put a huge effort into the league.

It was also interesting to read last Sunday’s Independent where on the same page Joe Brolly was vehemently against the three hand pass rule and Colm O’Rourke was passionately supporting the change. I hope that to introduce so many changes will not be a recipe for chaos and that’s entirely possible.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

SportsPeople

BREAKING BALL

Gaels’ revenge to burst Clann’s double? Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division One (O’Rourke Cup) Final Western Gaels v Clann na nGael in Frenchpark on Sunday at 1 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

This match will revive memories of one of the most sensational club championship games of the year at the same venue when Western Gaels were seemingly coasting to victory but were caught napping by a sensational Clann comeback. That game saw three different referees in

charge and there were thrills and spills and controversy to the very last kick of the game. Western Gaels will still be sore about the manner in which they lost out in that match and it should be an added motivation for them on Sunday. Clann have the benefit of a match against Roscommon Gaels last weekend which helped them get back up on the horse after the chastening experience that they had against Corofin. This promises to be a well-contested match and Western Gaels at home would dearly love to end their season with a major trophy. On their day they have a team that can match, and beat,

anyone in the county. The Creggs, Seanie McDermott, Ciaran Cafferky, Kevin Higgins and Derek Moran have huge experience and will be hoping to lead from the front. Ultan Harney, Ciarán Lennon, Stephen Flynn, the Pettits and Donie Shine will be hoping to lead Clann to the double. Shine’s free taking is a really powerful weapon for any team to have especially at this time of the year. But it’s been a long season for Clann and at home I fancy that Western Gaels might be up for this a little more and it will make the difference. Prediction: Western Gaels

Glavey’s big guns can ﬁre them to title Connaughton Fuels AFL Division 2 (O’Gara Cup) Final Fuerty v Michael Glavey’s on Sunday at 1.30 pm in Fuerty  SEAMUS DUKE

Fuerty can also add a league title to the Intermediate Championship that is already in the bag when they welcome Michael Glavey’s to Mulhern Park for the O’Gara Cup final. However it looks like to home side could be up against it as Glavey’s have had a momentous year and have done well in the senior championship.

The outcome here may well depend on the strength of the teams that each club will be able to field and with Niall Kilroy doubtful with an injury, it would be a huge blow to Fuerty if he were to miss the game or was restricted by that injury on the day. Glavey’s have a very good side at full strength and if they can have the likes of Liam Cregg, Conor Hussey, Caoileann Fitzmaurice, Gary Patterson and Andy Glennon they should be good enough to win the title. Prediction: Michael Glavey’s

overcame

St.

Croan’s on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-6 to clinch victory in the Dermot Hughes Cars U-20 Division 3 (13-a-side) Final. A good start saw the amalgamation side prove too strong for a St. Croan’s side who battled back well in the end but left themselves too much to do in the rain in Castlerea last Sunday. John Rhattigan’s goal in the first half helped his side into a 1-6 to 0-2 lead at half-time and by the three quarters mark they led by 1-10 to 0-4. Aided

Fixtures Sunday, December 9th Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 1 O’Rourke Cup Final At Nash Park: Western Gaels v Clann na nGael. 1 pm Connaughton Fuels AFL Division 2 O’Gara Cup Final At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Michael Glavey’s. 1.30 pm Connaughton Fuels AFL Division 2 Relegation Play-off At TBC: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Éire Óg. 12 pm

Late, late Shine as Clann reach ﬁnal A late converted free from Donie Shine was the difference as Clann na nGael edged last Saturday evening’s O’Rourke Cup semi-final against Roscommon Gaels at a rainy Lisnamult on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-10. Clann started better and with Ultan Harney, Donie Shine and Ciaran Lennon playing well they led by 0-6 to 0-2 after 25 minutes. But six points on the trot from the home side saw them 0-8 to 0-6 up after 35 minutes with Peter Gillooly leading the attack and James McDermott impressive at midfield. James Fetherstone made two fine saves to deny Clann and it was nip and tuck for most of the second half in the very wet conditions. Clann looked to have secured victory when Ultan Harney fisted home a goal with eight minutes to go but in fairness to the Gaels they kept going. Gillooly pointed before McDermott rattled the Clann net with normal time up. Then, in a last desperate attack, Clann were awarded a free 40 metres out and Shine duly obliged to send his side into the final where they will meet Western Gaels. Clann na nGael: D Finneran; D Duff, S Flynn, D Pettit (01); J Connaughton, S Pettit, D Connaughton (0-1); U Harney (1-1), G Pettit; C McManus, C Callinan, E Kenny (0-1); D Shine (0-5), C Lennon (0-2), J Fahy. Subs: D Egan for J Connaughton, D Sumner for Fahy, R Naughton for McManus, S Henry for Kenny. Roscommon Gaels: J Fetherstone; R Gleeson, P Gleeson, L McNeela; K O’Gara, J McManus, R Hughes; D O’Gara, J McDermott (1-1); M Nally, M Healy (0-1), T Lambe; C Egan, C Connolly (0-5), P Gillooly (0-3). Subs: B O’Gara fro D O’Gara, B Kelly for Egan, J O’Gara for Lambe. Referee: Marty Parker.

Sumner arrives late to burn Kilbride

The goal scored by Kilbride player Alice Kelly for Roscommon against Meath in the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate semi-final at Dr. Hyde Park earlier this year was named as the Goal of the Year at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association annual All Star awards at the City West Hotel in Dublin last Saturday. (Pic: Roscommon LGFA)

Elphin-Ballinameen too strong for Croan’s Elphin-Ballinmeen

GAA Results Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL 1 Semi-Final (O’Rourke Cup) Clann na nGael 1-11 Roscommon Gaels 1-10 Connaughton Fuels AFL Division 2 (O’Gara Cup) Michael Glavey’s 3-12 Tulsk Lord Edwards 0-6 Leydon Brothers AFL Division 3 Tansey Cup Final Clann na nGael 2-11 Kilbride 0-15

by a converted penalty from Damien Goggins, Croan’s came back into it well, but Elphin-Ballinameen had done enough. Scorers: Elphin-Ballinameen: D Shanagher (0-4), J Rhattigan (1-0), A Brady, H Brady and J Beirne (0-2) each, S O’Neill (0-1). St. Croan’s: R Thompson (0-5), D Goggins (1-1). The victorious Elphin-Ballinameen team which won the U-20 Division Three title against St. Croan’s last Sunday in Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

A late goal from young star attacker Dylan Sumner saw Clann na nGael edge out Kilbride 2-11 to 0-15 in what was an entertaining Tansey Cup final played in Johnstown last Friday night. Kilbride had the slight edge in the opening half with Darren Clabby on form and Henry Walsh accurate from frees. But a converted penalty from Clann, courtesy of Rian McNamara, ensured that they were well in the hunt by the break. Half-time score: Kilbride 0-8 Clann 1-3. Both sides lost a man when David McManus and Conor Devaney were red carded seven minutes into the second half. But it was Kilbride who kept their noses in front until injury-time when young Sumner struck a magnificent goal to hand the home side the title. Scorers - Clann: D Sumner (1-2), R McNamara (1-1), P McManus and D Connaughton (0-2) each, P Harney, D Duff, J Dunning, C O’Brien (0-1) each. Kilbride: H Walsh (0-7), D Clabby (0-4), K Battles (0-2), C Devaney and T O’Grady (0-1) each.

Roscommon People Friday 07 December 2018

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